Vaginal microbiome and nerve signals in endometriosis pain
Official title: Vaginal microbiome-nociceptor interactions in endometriosis pain
Funded at University of Texas Dallas · NIH-11355520 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how bacteria in the vagina influence pain in people with endometriosis, using mouse models and probiotic approaches to find new ways to relieve pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $608,387 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD121726-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11355520 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with endometriosis experiencing chronic pelvic pain who are interested in future microbiome- or nerve-targeted treatment strategies.
✕Less likely to help
The study is conducted in animal models and early preclinical approaches, so direct patient benefit is not guaranteed during this phase.
What this research studies
Pain is a central symptom of endometriosis, and this project investigates how the vaginal microbiome and nerve signals interact to drive pain. Using a mouse model of endometriosis, researchers will test how antibiotics, vaginal microbiota transfer, and probiotics affect nociceptor activity and CGRP signaling to the uterus. The goal is to uncover bi-directional relationships between the microbiome and uterine-innervating nerves and to identify potential microbiome- or nerve-targeted therapies for pain relief. Findings could point toward new, non-surgical ways to reduce pain for patients with endometriosis by modulating the vaginal microbiome and neural pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to microbiome- or nerve-directed therapies that reduce endometriosis pain and improve quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data show the vaginal microbiome can influence pain in an endometriosis model, with probiotic approaches reducing pain and neuron sensitization.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sadler, Katelyn — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Sadler, Katelyn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Molecular clues to endometriosis-related infertility
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-
Hormonal Influences on Inflammation in Endometriosis
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-
How genes influence endometriosis in women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
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Quantum diamond sensor endoscopy to map iron in endometriosis
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Understanding how RPLP1 affects endometriosis and adenomyosis
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CXCR4 methylation in endometriosis and its role as an early biomarker and non-hormonal therapy target
This project explores how changes in CXCR4 gene regulation may help diagnose endometriosis earlier and point toward non-hormonal treatments for the condition.
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.