Why the aging uterus struggles to support pregnancy
Deciphering molecular mechanisms controlling age-associated uterine adaptabilityto pregnancy
Explores why the uterus becomes less responsive to progesterone with age and how that may cause pregnancy loss in women over 35.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258992 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses mouse models that mimic normal reproductive aging and a genetic mouse model missing the uterine gene SIRT1 to study age-related changes in the uterus. They will examine how reduced progesterone receptor (PGR) levels and loss of SIRT1 change uterine cell behavior needed for embryo implantation and decidualization. By comparing physiological aging and SIRT1-deficient mice, the researchers aim to map the molecular steps that weaken uterine support for pregnancy. The goal is to identify targets that could be used to restore uterine hormone responsiveness in older women.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women aged 35 and older, particularly those with recurrent pregnancy loss or unexplained infertility where uterine factors are suspected, would be the eventual candidates for therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose pregnancy loss is due to embryo chromosomal abnormalities or non-uterine medical causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this uterine-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new ways to restore uterine hormone response and reduce miscarriage or infertility risk in older women.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal research links uterine hormone signaling to pregnancy success, but targeting SIRT1 as a driver of uterine aging is a relatively new approach mainly tested in mice so far.
Where this research is happening
Raleigh, United States
- North Carolina State University Raleigh — Raleigh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Xiaoqiu — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Wang, Xiaoqiu
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.