Inhibition of miRNA (miR-451a) as a possible treatment option for systemic effects of endometriosis

• Applicant: Dr. Hanna Surmann
• Subject Area: Gynaecology and Obstetrics
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 544376111

This project description is dedicated to endometriosis, a widespread gynecological disease that affects up to 10% of women of childbearing age. This disease, characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, can affect various organs. The research project focuses on gaining innovative insights into endometriosis and developing potential therapeutic approaches. The focus is on the investigation of microRNA (miRNA), in particular miR-451a, as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target structure. The aim is to better understand the systemic effects of endometriosis, in particular the increased cardiovascular risk, and to identify potential avenues for the development of new therapies. The research uses immunodeficient mice to which human endometriosis tissue is transplanted. This method provides a more realistic representation of the disease, as the molecular and histological characteristics of human endometriosis tissue differ from those of mouse uterine tissue. The main focus is on investigating the impact of miR-451a inhibition on systemic effects, in particular cardiovascular risk. The specific objectives of the research project are complex. Firstly, it aims to show that changes in miRNA expression cause some of the systemic effects of endometriosis. The identification of miRNAs, in particular miR-451a, as potential biomarkers is of particular interest here. Secondly, the effect of the change in miRNA expression, in particular the inhibition of miR-451a, on cardiovascular risk in endometriosis patients will be established. The significance of miRNAs for the cardiovascular complications associated with endometriosis will be investigated in more detail. The research design involves the use of human endometriosis tissue in immunodeficient mice, which is an innovative approach. This allows for a more detailed understanding of the effects of miRNA alterations in endometriosis patients and the development of potential therapeutic strategies that go beyond current approaches. The project at Yale University School of Medicine spans 18 months and has the overarching goal of deciphering the pathophysiologic mechanisms of endometriosis and developing potential therapeutic approaches to alleviate symptoms and reduce systemic effects.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Hugh S. Taylor