# Hyaluronic Acid with CD44, Estrogen and Progesterone Influence the Development of Endometrium to Endometriosis

> **NIH NIH K23** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER · 2020 · $163,080

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract:
This Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) will provide a promising early-
stage investigator, Dr. Knudtson, with the knowledge and skills requisite to become an independent clinical-
investigator in the field of endometriosis. Dr. Knudtson's interest is in applying novel, basic science findings
into translational clinical research on the effects of the hyaluronic acid (HA) pathway, estrogen and
progesterone in the development of the endometriotic lesion. Dr. Knudtson will actively participate in a variety
of training activities in the learning of clinical investigation for prospective non-interventional studies and
understanding of clinical trials including study design through statistical analysis. She will apply her knowledge
and skills learned to the execution of an innovative research project on development of endometriosis from
menstrual endometrium and the roles of HA/CD44, estrogen and progesterone. The training activities address
gaps in Dr. Knudtson's knowledge and skills, and the research project addresses a significant gap in
understanding of endometriosis.
Endometriosis develops from menstrual endometrium and is a cause of pain and infertility. Differences exist in
menstrual endometrium from women with and without endometriosis. The specific aims of this proposed study
are: (1) To determine the effect of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) on the HA enzymes in women with
endometriosis compared to women without endometriosis; (2) To establish the role of the CD44 variants, the
primary receptor for HA, in menstrual endometrium versus the endometriosis lesion. These studies will pursue
prospective, non-interventional trials and incorporate translational and clinical research. The training aims
consist of: (1) developing expertise in prospective clinical studies using human tissues; (2) obtaining structured
clinical research training through a Masters of Science in Clinical Investigation-Translational Science. Dr.
Knudtson's primary mentor is Dr. Robert Schenken, a physician scientist, with a world renowned expertise in
endometriosis. Her co-mentor is Dr. Randal Robinson, a physician scientist with expertise in clinical studies. The
advising committee consists of Dr. Rajeshwar Tekmal (translational researcher), Dr. Joel Tsevat (physician
scientist with previous K scholars), and Dr. Jonathan Gelfond (biostatistician). Dr. Knudtson's unique strengths
include aptitude and experience in translational research, with clinical knowledge and desire to become a clinical
investigator. The combined expertise and experience represented by the mentors and advising committee will
enable her to achieve the career goals proposed and to become an independent physician scientist focused on
patient oriented research in endometriosis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9908139
- **Project number:** 5K23HD097307-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer Knudtson
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $163,080
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-05-01 → 2021-03-01

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9908139

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9908139, Hyaluronic Acid with CD44, Estrogen and Progesterone Influence the Development of Endometrium to Endometriosis (5K23HD097307-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9908139. Licensed CC0.

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