Understanding how aging affects the uterus's ability to adapt to pregnancy
Official title: Deciphering molecular mechanisms controlling age-associated uterine adaptabilityto pregnancy
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11015911 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects the uterus's ability to support a healthy pregnancy, especially focusing on a hormone called progesterone, to help understand why older women might face more pregnancy challenges and find ways to improve their chances of success.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $653,161 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD111463-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015911 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women aged 35 and older who are considering pregnancy or experiencing difficulties related to advanced maternal age.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 35 or those without any reproductive health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how advanced maternal age impacts the uterus's ability to support pregnancy, particularly focusing on the role of a hormone receptor called progesterone receptor (PGR). The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that lead to reduced responsiveness of the aging uterus to hormones, which may contribute to higher rates of pregnancy complications in older women. By using mouse models that mimic aging, the researchers will explore how changes in uterine biology affect reproductive outcomes. This could provide insights into potential interventions to improve pregnancy success in older women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing reproductive health and reducing pregnancy complications in older women.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding hormonal influences on reproductive aging, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Xiaoqiu — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Wang, Xiaoqiu
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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.