Understanding how toxic substances affect ovarian function
Official title: In Vitro to In Vivo Extrapolation of Toxicant Effects on Ovarian Function
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11018514 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how harmful chemicals in our environment might affect women's ability to get pregnant by impacting their ovaries, and it aims to help improve fertility for those who are struggling with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $740,816 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES034690-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11018514 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing infertility issues, particularly those who have been exposed to environmental toxins.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing fertility issues or who have other underlying medical conditions unrelated to ovarian function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of environmental toxicants on ovarian function, particularly focusing on how these substances can impair the ability to conceive. By combining data from laboratory rodents and nonhuman primates, the study aims to create a more accurate understanding of how toxic exposures affect ovarian follicles, which are crucial for hormone production and egg viability. The research will involve forming a consortium of experts to analyze and model the physiological responses of ovarian follicles to various toxicants, ultimately aiming to improve fertility outcomes for women affected by these issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of infertility caused by environmental toxins, potentially improving fertility treatments for women.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on ovarian toxicity in laboratory rodents, this approach of integrating data from both rodents and nonhuman primates is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Craig, Zelieann Rivera — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Craig, Zelieann Rivera
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Retinal signals in early diabetes and how they affect vision
This grant looks at how diabetes changes the signals in the retina that control vision, with a focus on inner retinal cells and how these changes may lead to vision problems.
-
Mining safety training that connects research to practice for Western miners
A patient-facing overview of a U.S. mining safety program that partners universities and mining operators to improve training, safety practices, and outcomes for mine workers in the Western United States.
-
Developing small molecules to treat TDP-43 related brain diseases
A potential new drug candidate (XL20) for diseases like Alzheimer’s and other dementias linked to TDP-43 protein problems is being developed and refined for people who live with these conditions.
-
Mobile platform using AI to screen for oral cancer in low-resource communities
A low-cost, AI-powered mobile tool helps frontline healthcare workers screen for oral cancer and triage patients in communities with limited access to specialists.
-
A new optical method to image skin cancers using synthetic waves
A small grant is funding the development and testing of tissue-mimicking skin phantoms to improve non-invasive imaging of skin cancers.
-
MRI-guided precision care for infants with cleft palate
We’re exploring how MRI can help tailor early care for babies with cleft palate to support better speech outcomes.
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.