Uterine Leiomyoma Development in Mouse Models

This subcontract is being executed with Northeastern University to procure and ship normal matched myometrium and leiomyoma specimens from hysterectomy tissues of self-identified African American women for our studies to identify the stem cell populations of those tissues. Dr. Marsh will oversee the NU side of the project and provide help with analyses of the results. Her technician will determine appropriate specimens (1g of each) for collection and shipping. Specimens will be de-identified (stripped of any identifying information about the patient) and placed in storage buffer to be provided by Dr. Teixeira for shipment. A FedEx account number for direct billing to Dr. Teixeira’s funds will be provided. Method of shipment (wet ice or room temp) to be determined. If possible the patient information we would like is age, menopausal status, phase of menstrual cycle, size and location (submucosal, intramural, subserosal) of leiomyomas and hormone treatment (contraception, IUD, lupron, etc.). The goal would be to get one sample per week, when available, but no more than two per week, over the course of two years, for a total of 60 matched samples.