Dr. Kristin Miller received an award of $3,584,496 from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for her study on the Identification of Age and Injury Dependent Mechanisms of Elastic Fiber Dynamics in the Murine Vagina. The main focus of this study is to recognize how age and physical injury impacts vaginal tissue healing, particularly through modifications in the function of elastic fiber, which are necessary for pelvic floor support.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition impacting women. Specifically, women who have a history of childbirth or who are over 35 and are regularly treated with reconstructive surgery. Though several surgical treatments for POP are unsuccessful, partly because the affected tissue is already weakened, this highlights the need for alternative, non-surgical therapies. This study also addresses the purpose of elastic tissue components in supporting vaginal anatomy and how the breakdown of these components may delay healing and compromise the structural support of the pelvic area. Meanwhile, primary results suggest that minoxidil, a medication typically used to treat high blood pressure might also stimulate the formation of new elastin in vaginal tissue. The future goal of this study is to form a low-impact biological therapy for POP.

In this study, Dr. Miller intends to explore which cells are responsible for producing elastin, how this process may change with age, and whether minoxidil can help restore tissue strength and resilience. Should it succeed, this study will enhance women’s pelvic health and non-operative treatment alternatives for POP and contribute to the field of Biomedical engineering.