Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center received a $718,505 Project Grant from the National Institute on Aging under the Aging Research program (CFDA 93.866) effective February 1, 2026, through January 31, 2031. This research award supports a translational investigation into the impact of cellular senescence on pelvic organ prolapse (POP), an age-related disorder affecting up to 50% of women. The project delivers comprehensive scientific research services utilizing advanced methodologies including single-cell and single-nuclei RNA sequencing and biomechanical phenotyping to identify differential gene expression, extracellular matrix regulation, and cellular pathways associated with age-related POP development.

The research deliverables encompass three primary objectives: (1) identification of gene expression and extracellular matrix regulation patterns in animal models of age-related POP; (2) determination of whether vaginal contractile potential and biomechanical stability can be rescued in a novel mouse model combining prolapse and cellular senescence; and (3) linkage of extracellular matrix composition with cell senescence in vaginal stromal tissues from women with and without prolapse. Through this integrated human and animal model research approach, the project aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which cellular senescence initiates loss of pelvic organ support during aging, ultimately informing the design of preventive and therapeutic intervention strategies.