Awardees & Updates – 2023

RECIPIENT: Marie C. Meinsohn, PhD; Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School

RESEARCH: Evaluation of AMHR2 Agonists with Contraceptive Properties

SUMMARY: This study will investigate a potential new form of hormonal contraceptive mimicking anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), a natural hormone produced by the ovary that prevents primordial follicles activation months before they are ready to ovulate. A better understanding of the mechanisms of AMH agonists has the potential to lead to new contraceptives without the side effects of current hormonal birth control and with a more patient-friendly dosing schedule. A better understanding of these agonists may also lead to improved treatments for protecting fertility during chemotherapy, fertility treatment, and delay of ovarian aging.

RECIPIENT: Shailja Pathania, PhD; University of Massachusetts Boston

RESEARCH: Design New Therapeutic Strategies for Women with Hereditary Ovarian Cancer

SUMMARY: Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynecological disease. High grade serous ovarian cancer is the most common and aggressive subtype of ovarian cancer with 50% of such cancers involving BRCA 1/2 mutant genes. This study aims to identify and understand weaknesses in ovarian cancer tumors in order to better understand chemoresistance and develop new treatments.

RECIPIENT: Moua Yang, PhD; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School

RESEARCH: Effect of Sex-Related Differences in Redox Metabolism on Thiol Isomerase Activity in Thrombosis and Vascular Dysfunction

SUMMARY: It is well known that oxidant stress significantly contributes to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in women; however, how oxidants promote vascular dysfunction is largely unknown. This study will test a group of enzymes and estrogen’s role in enzyme systems, in order to develop new targets for preventing strokes and heart attacks and further elucidate gender differences in cardiac disease.

RECIPIENT: Elizabeth Lawson, MD, MMSc & Francesca Galbiati, MD; Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School

RESEARCH: Sex-Specific Response to Oxytocin Concentrations to Estrogen Stimulation

SUMMARY: Oxytocin is a hormone that regulates important processes in physical and mental health. Low levels are associated with higher body fat, worse bone health and greater anxiety and depressive systems. Despite the clinical importance of oxytocin deficiency, it is very difficult to diagnose. Oxytocin also has important sex differences and is regulated differently in males and females. This study aims to investigate sex differences in the oxytocin response to a dose of estrogen/progestin as a diagnostic test for oxytocin-deficiency and whether sex differences in oxytocin stimulation exist. It will also provide data for improved treatment of oxytocin deficiency.