Understanding human gonad development and related disorders using stem cells
Official title: Pluripotent stem cell-derived organoid model of human gonad development, functions, and disorders
Funded at Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · NIH-11161420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses special stem cells to grow tiny models of human reproductive organs, helping us learn more about how they form and what causes conditions like differences in sex development and infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $584,060 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD114180-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11161420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with differences in sex development (DSD) or those experiencing infertility may find this foundational research particularly relevant to their conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate clinical interventions or direct treatment options will not receive direct benefit from this basic science research.
What this research studies
We are creating miniature, three-dimensional models of human reproductive organs, called organoids, from human stem cells. These organoids allow us to observe how these organs develop from their earliest stages in a dish. By studying these models, we hope to uncover the complex processes involved in normal gonad formation. This work will also help us understand the underlying causes of differences in sex development (DSD) and infertility, paving the way for new insights into these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of the causes of differences in sex development and infertility, potentially guiding future diagnostic tools and treatments.
How similar studies have gone: While organoid technology has been successfully used for other organs for over a decade, developing standardized models specifically for human gonad development and disorders is a novel and less established area.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jordan, Philip W — Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
- Study coordinator: Jordan, Philip W
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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.