Understanding how age and injury affect the vagina's elastic fibers
Official title: Identification of Age and Injury Dependent Mechanisms of Elastic Fiber Dynamics in the Murine Vagina
Funded at University of Texas Dallas · NIH-11050777 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older and having injuries during childbirth affect the stretchy fibers in the vagina, which are important for keeping everything in place, and it's aimed at helping women who might face problems like pelvic organ prolapse after having babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $734,639 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG086472-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050777 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include women of advanced maternal age who are experiencing or at risk for pelvic organ prolapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 35 and do not have any pelvic floor issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging and injuries during childbirth impact the elastic fibers in the vagina, which are crucial for maintaining pelvic floor integrity. By studying mice, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that lead to pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and impaired healing after childbirth. The study focuses on the relationship between maternal age, vaginal health, and the effectiveness of current treatments for POP. The goal is to identify potential non-surgical therapies that could improve outcomes for women experiencing these issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved non-surgical treatments for pelvic organ prolapse, enhancing the quality of life for affected women.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms being studied are novel, previous research has shown that understanding tissue dynamics can lead to advancements in treatment options for pelvic floor disorders.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Kristin Suzanne — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Miller, Kristin Suzanne
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.