# UTX: A novel regulator of decidualization?

> **NIH NIH R03** · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $73,037

## Abstract

Project Summary
During pregnancy, endometrial stromal cells transdifferentiate into decidual cells, a process
known as decidualization, to support the implanting embryos. The development of decidua with
full functionality requires coordinated cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Despite a
series of elegant studies that have made breakthroughs in progesterone receptor signaling,
transcription factors, and growth factor signaling in uterine decidualization, the role of epigenetic
regulators remains poorly defined. Defective decidualization leads to pregnancy complications
such as miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and pregnancy loss. Therefore, identification
of molecular mechanisms underpinning decidualization is of fundamental importance. Built on
novel preliminary findings using conditional knockout mouse model of UTX in the uterus, this
proposal will identify the function of a lysine demethylase, UTX, in the development of an integral
decidua and decipher how UTX regulates endometrial stromal cell differentiation. A multipronged
approach incorporating genetic, cellular, and molecular tools has been proposed. The findings
are anticipated to establish a new paradigm in understanding the role of epigenetic regulators in
uterine biology. Thus, completion of the proposed studies will have a substantial impact, with
potential translational implications in the treatment of endometrial dysfunction and pregnancy loss
associated with decidualization defects.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10390537
- **Project number:** 1R03HD107958-01
- **Recipient organization:** TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Qinglei Li
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $73,037
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-02-11 → 2024-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10390537

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10390537, UTX: A novel regulator of decidualization? (1R03HD107958-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10390537. Licensed CC0.

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