Understanding SMAD5 Signaling in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Official title: SMAD5 signaling in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11143252 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how a specific signal, SMAD5, might be involved in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to better understand its link to overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $200,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD116116-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11143252 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research focuses on understanding the biology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome using existing clinical and genomic data.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can affect both a woman's reproductive health and her overall well-being, increasing risks for conditions like infertility, obesity, and diabetes. While excess hormones like androgens are known to play a role, we don't fully understand how ovarian issues connect to other health problems in PCOS. This project explores a newly found genetic variation in a protein called SMAD5, identified in a mother and daughter with PCOS. By studying this specific genetic change, we hope to uncover new insights into the complex causes of PCOS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of PCOS, potentially paving the way for new ways to prevent or treat its various health complications.
How similar studies have gone: This exploratory project builds upon clinical and genomic data from specific PCOS patients, aiming to fill a knowledge gap in the cause-and-effect relationship of PCOS phenotypes.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pangas, Stephanie a. — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Pangas, Stephanie a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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SMAD5 and PCOS/PMOS: a new genetic clue to infertility
A research project at Baylor College of Medicine is studying a genetic variant in SMAD5 that may cause a form of PCOS/PMOS and could lead to new ways to diagnose or treat infertility.
-
TLR4 blocker for improving fertility in PCOS
A promising, already-approved drug (disulfiram) will be tested to see if it can reduce inflammation and improve ovulation in women with PCOS.
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Genetic clues to PCOS: how genes shape a common women's health condition
A doctor-scientist team at Boston Children’s Hospital is studying how genetic factors contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) across women, men, and children to understand the root causes.
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Semaglutide to help restore ovulation in youth and adults with PCOS
A study tests an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist (semaglutide) to improve ovulation and hormonal balance in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
-
Understanding how PCOS develops during adolescence
This grant looks at how polycystic ovary syndrome begins in teenagers and what early signs help doctors diagnose it accurately.
-
AI-powered ultrasound tool to help diagnose PCOS
A new AI-based tool uses ultrasound images to help doctors reliably identify polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in reproductive-age women.
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.