Understanding how the ovarian aging process affects women’s health through the lymphatic system
Official title: Ovarian aging through the novel lens of the 3D lymphatic network.
Funded at Buck Institute for Research on Aging · NIH-11441733 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small NIH grant aims to uncover how aging ovaries interact with the body’s lymphatic system to slow reproductive aging and impact overall health in women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Buck Institute for Research on Aging NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Novato, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $194,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD123297-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441733 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults 21 years and older who may contribute samples or data related to ovarian biology and aging.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without a focus on ovarian aging or lymphatic health may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project looks at why the female reproductive system ages and how changes in the local lymphatic network contribute to that aging. Researchers will use 3D imaging and analysis to map the ovarian environment and identify inflammatory signals linked to aging. The goal is to reveal mechanisms that could extend reproductive lifespan and improve health beyond fertility, such as heart, bone, and brain health. The work emphasizes translating findings toward understanding human ovarian aging and its broader impact on women's health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could inform new strategies to preserve ovarian function and improve health outcomes for aging women.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows aging is associated with inflammatory signatures; this study explores a novel link to the lymphatic system in the ovarian environment.
Where this research is happening
-
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Novato, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soygur Kaya, Gul Bikem — Buck Institute for Research on Aging
- Study coordinator: Soygur Kaya, Gul Bikem
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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.