Understanding fallopian tube cilia and their role in fertility
In vivo investigation of cilia function in the fallopian tube
Researchers will use improved live imaging in mice to watch fallopian tube cilia and learn how cilia problems can cause infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11226578 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses advanced optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravital imaging to visualize cilia inside the living fallopian tube of mice. Investigators will work with a mouse model that mimics human ciliopathies linked to fertility defects. They will develop a new way to measure coordinated ciliary motion and connect cilia behavior to reproductive outcomes like failure to conceive or ectopic pregnancy. The aim is to produce a clear visual and functional picture of how cilia contribute to normal reproduction and how their dysfunction leads to problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with unexplained infertility, recurrent ectopic pregnancy, or suspected ciliary disorders could ultimately benefit from the findings and may be candidates for future related clinical studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose infertility is caused by unrelated issues such as severe male-factor infertility, uterine structural problems, or diminished ovarian reserve may not directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how cilia problems lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy and point toward new diagnostics or treatments for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: Live in vivo imaging of fallopian tube cilia is largely novel, although related imaging and ex vivo studies of cilia in other tissues have provided useful insights.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larina, Irina — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Larina, Irina
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 below.