# Microphysiological modeling of Endometriosis

> **NIH NIH R01** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $556,800

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Endometriosis affects an estimated 176 million women and girls of reproductive age, worldwide, causing chronic
pelvic pain and infertility. Despite the fact that most women experience retrograde menstruation, only 10% of
women present with this condition, the underlying reasons for which are still unclear. The primary objective of
this project is to explore the genetic basis for endometriosis pathophysiology through the application of innovative
technologies and model systems. We have successfully produced induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived
from blood cells of women with endometriosis and developed a novel microfluidic device capable of co-culturing
cells and tissues. In this study, we aim to differentiate iPSCs into endometrial epithelial and stromal cells, as well
as macrophages, and compare their behavior to that of cells derived from women without the condition. By using
the microfluidic device, we will construct an endometriosis-immune chip that will enable us to investigate the
interaction of endometrial cells with macrophages from endometriosis. Furthermore, we will conduct a
comprehensive analysis of DNA variants in the iPSC lines and correlate them with gene expression and cell
function, providing a comprehensive, unbiased, and global perspective of inherent differences in endometriosis
cells. These cutting-edge technologies will allow us to explore previously unexplored areas of research, offering
significant insights into endometriosis and advancing the field of endometriosis research considerably.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10935984
- **Project number:** 5R01HD114195-02
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Ji-Yong Julie Kim
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $556,800
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-25 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10935984

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10935984, Microphysiological modeling of Endometriosis (5R01HD114195-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10935984. Licensed CC0.

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