Distinguished Investigator Grant to Elisabet Stener- Victorin

Congratulations Lisa! Tell us about the project.

Thank you! The project is about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the leading cause of female infertility, linked to comorbidities such as type-2 diabetes and endometrial cancer. Despite that PCOS affect approximately 15% of all women in reproductive age, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We know that androgens are key in the pathogenesis and that PCOS runs in families. The project will use human and mouse studies to dissect the molecular, mechanistic, and causal links contributing to the PCOS pathology and how the syndrome is passed on across generations in both females and males.

Who will benefit from the research?

Women with PCOS, their daughters and likely also sons will benefit from the results of this project. The hope is that this project will lead to new insights into PCOS pathophysiology that could improve the management of the syndrome. By mapping cell-type specific aberrant gene expression in two key reproductive and metabolic tissues, we can identify potential candidate biomarkers as well as novel targets for treatment. Moreover, by defining the key driver and molecular mechanisms of PCOS inheritance, we can prevent transmission to subsequent generations. The vision is to increase the knowledge about PCOS and associated comorbidities which could transform the management of the syndrome and improve quality of life and public health costs in the future.

What does the grant mean for your work?

The grant means that we can use methods and tools that will significantly move the field forward. Importantly, I can both recruit new and maintain researchers in my group which is a key for success!