$10K Award Supports PCOS Research at University of Kentucky

By Blake Jackson

Katherine Halloran, an assistant professor in the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences, has been awarded a $10,000 Emerging Investigator Grant from the Society for the Study of Reproduction (SSR). Announced at SSR’s July meeting, the competitive grant supports early-career scientists in developing their research programs.

Halloran plans to use the funding to study polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), focusing on how postnatal obesity may affect ovarian function. PCOS is one of the most common hormone disorders in women, impacting an estimated 10-13% globally, with obesity exacerbating both symptoms and prevalence.

“I had no idea this was coming,” Halloran said when learning she was one of four recipients. “I’m grateful for the support, and I’m ready to put it to work.”

Halloran research employs a well-established sheep model of PCOS to study how excess weight after birth may worsen the condition. The team has already collected ovaries from research animals and will use laser capture microdissection to isolate key ovarian cell types.

Sequencing these cells will allow them to examine gene expression associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and other pathways linked to PCOS and obesity.

“Sheep offer key advantages for this work,” Halloran said. “They usually have one or two offspring, their organ development timelines mirror humans, and their offspring are born more fully developed compared to rodent laboratory animals. That helps us ask human-relevant questions at the right time points.”

Building on samples from her postdoctoral research, Halloran said the grant will generate data to support larger studies. The team also plans to investigate oocyte quality, examining markers for epigenetic changes and oxidative stress with direct implications for embryo development and future fertility.

“Our goal is clear,” Halloran said. “We want to understand the origins of PCOS well enough to help point to prevention or early intervention strategies. Even a small step forward can make a difference for individuals with PCOS and their reproductive-metabolic health.”

“It may be a small award, but it removes key hurdles,” Halloran added. “It gets us the sequencing we need now, and it helps us make the case for the next round of funding opportunities.”

Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky