Joshua Brennan

Johns Hopkins University | JHU · Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics

Background Uterine fibroids are highly prevalent, collagen-rich, mechanically stiff, fibrotic tumors for which new therapeutic options are needed. Increased extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness activates mechanical signaling and Hippo/YAP promoting fibroid growth, but no prior studies have tested either as a therapeutic target. We tested the hypoth...

A healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet play a paramount role in promoting and maintaining homeostatic functions and preventing an array of chronic and debilitating diseases. Based upon observational and epidemiological investigations, it is clear that nutritional factors and dietary habits play a significant role in gynecological disease developme...

Objective To determine if AKAP13 interacts with the VDR to alter vitamin D-dependent signaling in fibroid cells. Uterine leiomyoma (fibroids) are characterized by a fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM) and are associated with vitamin D deficiency. Treatment with vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) reduced fibroid growth and ECM gene expression. A-k...

Objective To test whether mechanical substrate stiffness would influence progesterone receptor B (PRB) signaling in fibroid cells. Uterine fibroids feature an excessive extracellular matrix, increased stiffness, and altered mechanical signaling. Fibroid growth is stimulated by progestins and opposed by anti-progestins, but a functional interaction...

Context Uterine leiomyomata (fibroids) are prevalent, sex hormone-dependent tumors with an altered response to mechanical stress. Ulipristal acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM), significantly reduces fibroid size in patients. However, progesterone receptor signaling in fibroids and its relationship to mechanical signaling is...