Scientist receives a prize for breakthrough in women's research!

Von Markus Schneiderling

Ivana Winkler erhält den Early Excellence in Science Award 2024 für ihre Forschung zu femininen Fortpflanzungszyklen und Entzündungen.
Ivana Winkler receives the Early Excellence in Science Award 2024 for their research on feminine reproductive cycles and inflammation. (Symbolbild/ANAG)

On March 1, 2025, Ivana Winkler from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) was awarded the Early Excellence in Science Award 2024 of the Bayer Foundation in the Data Science category. She received this honor for her groundbreaking work to investigate female reproductive ability and its effects on health.
Winkler's research emphasizes the conversion of the organs of female reproductive tract during the sexual cycle, a process that can lead to fibrosis and chronic inflammation over the years. It is postdoc in the molecular and computational prevention department at the DKFZ and has systematically examined changes in genetic activity and morphology in all affected organs in mice.

Winkler's work is based on the realization that the female reproductive tract is subject to monthly conversions in order to optimally prepare for ovulation or pregnancy. Previous studies have often been limited to microscopic examinations of individual organs or genes. In her research, Winkler created a comprehensive cell atlas of the female reproductive tract. She has shown that physiological events such as ovulation, menstruation and implantation are often associated with inflammation.

Connection between inflammation and reproduction

The investigation shows that the inflammatory connective tissue cells, also known as fibroblasts, play a central role in the conversion processes and the control of inflammation. The female reproductive tract can efficiently remove cyclical inflammation and thus receive the reproductive function. However, persistent inflammation can become chronic and subsequently lead to fibrosis.

In an innovative study, Winkler developed a model that describes the connection between the conversion processes of the reproductive wing and the development of fibrosis. To test their hypothesis, they switched off the estrus cycle for mice with medication. This resulted in a reduction in the progressive fibrosis and thus shows potential for future therapeutic approaches.

potential for new therapies and long -term consequences

Research work could not only have an impact on science, but also offer therapeutic approaches to combat cancer in the reproductive organs of women. Previous studies that were published in the journal Cell, among other things, show the long -term consequences of the female reproductive tract in mice. These investigations have shown that the conversion of the organs - including ovary, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina - has an impact on health during each menstrual cycle.

In addition, the researchers showed that the large number of menstrual cycles could be associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer. They also identified almost 300 gene variations that influence the reproductive lifespan of women. Manipulation of the Gene Chek1 and Chek2 in mice led to an extension of the reproductive lifespan of around 25 percent. Women with inactive Chek2 gene have a later menopause.

The relevance of these results extends beyond basic research. Developments in research and medical applications can be derived from the knowledge.

In whole, the work of Ivana Winkler shows the complex interplay between hormonal controls and the long -term effects of inflammation. It opens up new perspectives in research into chronic diseases and their prevention.

The Early Excellence in Science Award is awarded annually in the categories of biology, chemistry, medicine and data science from the Bayer Foundation and is each endowed with 10,000 euros, such as mrn-news reported.

These significant developments in the field of reproductive research could also be related to initiatives that try to tackle chronic inflammation in other areas of medicine. An example of this is the project "Targeting Ahr Dependent Inflammation for Organ Protection" at the Charité-University Medicine Berlin, which deals with the mechanisms of inflammation in connection with nutrition, such as Ärzteblatt . Overall, the combination of genetic analyzes and translational research offers a comprehensive approach to improving the reproductive health of women and to save the reproduction potential via the life cycle.

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