Understanding how certain genes affect ovarian aging and fertility
Official title: The Regulation of Ovarian Aging by H19 and let-7
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-10653125 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain tiny molecules in our bodies, called noncoding RNAs, affect the aging of ovaries and fertility in women, with the goal of understanding how they influence the number and health of eggs, which are important for getting pregnant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $325,405 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD101475-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10653125 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include women of reproductive age who are experiencing fertility issues or are concerned about the effects of aging on their reproductive health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not of reproductive age or those who do not have concerns related to fertility or ovarian health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of noncoding RNAs, specifically H19 and let-7, in regulating ovarian aging and its impact on fertility. The study aims to uncover how these molecules influence the quantity and quality of ovarian follicles and oocytes, which are crucial for successful pregnancies. By exploring the mechanisms behind ovarian reserve depletion and DNA damage accumulation in oocytes, the research seeks to provide insights that could improve reproductive health outcomes for women. The approach includes analyzing gene expression and follicular health in relation to maternal age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential interventions for women facing infertility and pregnancy complications due to advanced maternal age.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the roles of noncoding RNAs in reproductive health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kallen, Amanda Nicole — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Kallen, Amanda Nicole
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Aging Well with HIV: Alcohol, Risk Reduction, and Education Center (AWAR3E)
A center at Yale is exploring how aging with HIV interacts with alcohol use to create inflammation and frailty, with the goal of finding biomarkers and potential treatments.
-
Cognitive SuperAging: Exploring why some octogenarians stay sharp in memory
This NIH grant studies why a small group of people aged 80+ keep memory skills as good as much younger people, hoping to understand how to protect memory as we age.
-
Biological aging across the lifespan through a national high school-to-adult study
This grant uses a long-running national study of students and adults to collect saliva biomarkers of aging, alongside surveys, to understand how aging markers relate to health and life experiences.
-
Understanding how aging and Alzheimer’s affect how people make tough choices
This NIH grant studies how aging and Alzheimer’s risk change how people decide between immediate and delayed rewards and risky options, with the goal of helping older adults stay financially and healthwise safer.
-
Understanding how brain resilience and multiple brain pathologies influence aging and Alzheimer's disease
A long-term study follows older adults to learn how resilience to brain changes helps reduce dementia risk and what biological factors are linked to better cognitive aging.
-
National Neighborhood Data Archive helps researchers study aging health in U.S. neighborhoods
A nationwide data resource will help researchers understand how where people live affects health and aging, with a focus on respiratory illnesses in older adults.
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.