Understanding how obesity affects fertility by studying endometrial glycogen reserves
Official title: Deciphering the Roles of Endometrial Glycogen Reserves and the Impact of Obesity on Fertility
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11044110 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the sugar stored in the lining of the uterus affects fertility, especially for women who are obese, by using mice to see how this sugar helps embryos grow and develop, which could help us understand more about fertility challenges women face.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | May 8, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $395,704 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD111706-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044110 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing fertility issues, particularly those who are obese.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing fertility issues or who are not affected by obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between endometrial glycogen reserves and fertility, particularly focusing on how obesity impacts this connection. The study examines how glucose is utilized by embryos during critical stages of development and how the endometrium supports this process. By analyzing mouse models, researchers aim to establish a direct link between uterine glycogen levels and successful pregnancy outcomes, which could lead to new insights into fertility issues faced by women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved fertility treatments for women affected by obesity.
How similar studies have gone: While research has explored glucose transporters in the endometrium, this specific investigation into glycogen reserves and their direct impact on fertility is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dean, Matthew J — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Dean, Matthew J
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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.