Understanding Prostate Cell Survival in BPH
Decreased SRD5A2 and Alternative Estrogen Signaling in Prostatic Cell Survival
This project looks into why current medications for enlarged prostate don't work for everyone, focusing on how prostate cells survive when a key enzyme is low.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11187216 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a common issue for many men, and current treatments called 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARI) are not always effective. This research aims to uncover why some prostate cells continue to grow despite these medications. We are exploring how a specific enzyme, SRD5A2, influences prostate cell survival and if a shift to estrogen-based signaling occurs when this enzyme is less active. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to help men whose BPH doesn't respond well to existing therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for adult men aged 21 and older who experience benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), especially those whose condition is not fully managed by 5α-reductase inhibitor medications.
Not a fit: Patients whose BPH is well-controlled by existing 5α-reductase inhibitor therapies may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective treatments for men with enlarged prostates who do not respond to current medications.
How similar studies have performed: While 5ARI treatments have shown some success in slowing BPH progression, this particular approach of investigating SRD5A2 variability and alternative estrogen signaling as a mechanism for non-response is a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Olumi, Aria F — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Olumi, Aria F
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 below.