Understanding how cells communicate to form endometriosis lesions
Molecular mechanisms of gap junction promotion of lesion formation in Endometriosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER · NIH-11129796
This research explores how cells talk to each other, called gap junctions, and how this communication might lead to the growth of endometriosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11129796 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at how cells in endometriosis patients behave differently, specifically focusing on how they communicate through structures called gap junctions. Researchers found that cells from endometriosis patients show increased communication when they interact with cells lining the abdomen. This enhanced communication appears to help endometriosis cells invade and grow, potentially by disrupting the protective barrier of the abdominal lining. Understanding this specific cellular interaction could open doors to new strategies for managing endometriosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with endometriosis, particularly those interested in the underlying cellular processes of the disease.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention would not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to diagnose or treat endometriosis by targeting how cells communicate and spread.
How similar studies have performed: While gap junctions are known to play a role in other invasive diseases like cancer, their specific involvement in endometriosis is a novel area of focus for this research.
Where this research is happening
SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER — SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NICHOLSON, BRUCE J — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER
- Study coordinator: NICHOLSON, BRUCE J
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.