Understanding Adenomyosis at the Cellular Level to Find New Treatments
Official title: Single cell analytics and drug discovery at the endometrial-myometrial junction in symptomatic adenomyosis
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11141913 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work aims to understand adenomyosis, a common uterine condition, by looking closely at individual cells to find new ways to help women with symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $123,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD114953-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141913 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for women diagnosed with symptomatic adenomyosis who are seeking better treatment options beyond current therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without adenomyosis or those whose symptoms are well-managed by existing treatments may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Adenomyosis is a common uterine condition where cells from the uterine lining grow into the muscular wall, causing severe pain, heavy bleeding, and fertility issues. Current treatments often have limitations, and a hysterectomy is the only cure, which is not an option for those wishing to conceive. This project uses advanced techniques to examine these cells at a very detailed level, hoping to uncover new insights into how the disease develops. By understanding these cellular changes, we can identify specific targets for new medications. The ultimate goal is to develop more effective and targeted treatments that can reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for affected women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new, targeted medications that effectively reduce pain and bleeding associated with adenomyosis, offering alternatives to surgery.
How similar studies have gone: While single-cell analysis is a cutting-edge approach, previous bulk tissue analyses have provided initial clues, suggesting this detailed method holds promise for drug discovery.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Giudice, Linda C — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Giudice, Linda C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how RPLP1 affects endometriosis and adenomyosis
A patient-focused look at how a ribosomal protein called RPLP1 may drive tissue changes in endometriosis and adenomyosis and what this could mean for future therapies.
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Understanding how ion channels affect uterine contractions and reproductive health
This study is looking at how tiny channels in the muscle cells of the uterus work, which is important for things like your period and pregnancy, to better understand conditions like adenomyosis that can cause pain and trouble getting pregnant.
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Investigating the role of specific molecules in the development of adenomyosis.
This study is looking into adenomyosis, a condition that causes pain and problems with pregnancy, to find out how certain molecules in the body affect it, which could help create new, less invasive treatments for those who suffer from it.
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Investigating the endometrial-myometrial junction in adenomyosis to discover new treatments
This study is looking at adenomyosis, a painful condition that affects some women, to better understand how it works at a tiny level and to find new treatments that could help ease symptoms and improve daily life.
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Cannabinoid-based product for gynecologic pain in endometriosis, adenomyosis, or PID
This study tests a high-CBD, hemp-derived product against placebo in adults with gynecologic pain from endometriosis, adenomyosis, or PID over one week to see if it reduces pain and related symptoms.
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Good pain consultation for endometriosis
This trial will test whether adding a 'good pain consultation' with early biopsychosocial pain education to usual care helps biological women with endometriosis manage pain and improve quality of life.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.