For Researchers
Learn more about the CT Data and Biorepository and its efforts to foster basic research and clinical collaborations designed to help advance our understanding of Endometriosis towards better diagnostics, treatments and cures.
Clinical and Tissue Biorepository & Research
7 focus areas
EndoRISE program is the first public, multi-institution Data and Tissue Biorepository in the US that serves a pivotal role in research, aiming to deepen the understanding of endometriosis and spearheading advancements in its diagnosis, treatment and management.
Access to rare biological endometriosis samples provides researchers the ability to explore the genetic, molecular and environmental factors contributing to the disease. Through collaboration efforts, research findings are critical in the identification of novel biomarkers that may be key in early disease detection and development of targeted therapies.
EndoRISE aims to be a diverse and harmonized clinical data and tissue biobank, following the World Endometriosis Research Foundation efforts. We are committed to fostering collaboration among research and healthcare institutions, facilitating the seamless exchange of information, and ensuring that data collected from a broad spectrum of patients is uniformly structured and easily accessible. By standardizing clinical data, we aim to enhance the accuracy of research studies, accelerate the development of innovative treatments, and enable a more personalized approach to patient care.
Our goal is to empower researchers, clinicians, and patients with a rich repository of information and specimens that support the advancement of medical knowledge and the improvement of health outcomes for communities worldwide. Through dedication to data integrity, inclusivity, and interoperability, we strive to pave the way for a future where healthcare treatment for endometriosis is more efficient, effective, and equitable for all.
Establishing the Biorepository
Our efforts focus on inclusively representing the diversity of endometriosis cases across Connecticut (CT). We aim to curate biological samples of endometriosis from a diverse cross-section of communities in the state to ensure representation of all groups affected by endometriosis, including under-represented populations. This approach helps us better understand the condition's impact on different communities and improve care for all.
The EndoRISE program follows the guidelines established by the World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF) Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project (EPHect) in order to standardize sample collection, processing and biobanking and enable large scale, cross center collaborative endometriosis research. EndoRISE is one of 60 centers worldwide that use EPHect tools. For more information on the guidelines and ePhect, you can visit the links provided below.
  • ePhect (link)
  • World Endometriosis Research Foundation Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project: I. Surgical phenotype data collection in endometriosis research (link)
  • World Endometriosis Research Foundation Endometriosis Phenome and biobanking harmonization project: II. Clinical and covariate phenotype data collection in endometriosis research (link)
  • World Endometriosis Research Foundation Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonization Project: III. Fluid biospecimen collection, processing, and storage in endometriosis research (link)
  • World Endometriosis Research Foundation Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project: IV. Tissue collection, processing, and storage in endometriosis research (link)
Purpose and Impact
The EndoRISE biobank's objective is to propel endometriosis research forward by supplying specimens such as tissues biopsies (endometriosis lesions and endometrium biopsies), biological fluids (Blood, plasma, serum, peritoneal fluid, urine) and cells (peripheral mononucleated cells (PBMC) and peritoneal fluid cells) with accurate metadata.
This biorepository provides high quality samples validated for high standard downstream processing utilizing cutting edge technologies such as single cell and spatial omics.
Request samples

Contact us at [email protected] for other inquiries.
Collection Sites
The EndoRISE program relies on the network and collaboration of healthcare institutions across Connecticut to enable the continued growth and success of the program.
Currently, the Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is collecting specimens from UConn Health and will expand to other hospitals within the state of Connecticut before the end of 2025.
Map of our locations
Photo of our researchers
Left to right - Danielle Luciano, M.D., Co-director of EndoRISE, Elise Courtois, Ph.D.Co-Director of EndoRISE, and Arleigh Cole Doyle, a patient advocate and member of the Connecticut Endometriosis Working Group
Research and Collaboration
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) and UConn Health are actively engaged in ongoing collaborative research in the field of endometriosis and we are pleased to collaborate in this significant area of study.
  • External collaborations
    • The Jackson Laboratory and UConn Health collaborate with the state of Connecticut to establish the EndoRISE program
    • The Endometriosis Working Group (EWG), where JAX and UConn Health play an active role are leading efforts to promote endometriosis focused policies - Connecticut legislature approves historic endometriosis bill
Common FAQs

Tissues: endometriosis, lesions (SUP, OMA, DIE), controls. Fluid: peritoneal fluid, whole blood, plasma, serum, urine. Cells: peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), peritoneal fluid cells. Fixed blocks: Formalin Fixed Paraffin embedded and fresh frozen tissues.

Samples are collected by the physician surgeons and sent to the biorepository at time of surgery using WEF/ePHect established guidelines.

The EndoRISE biorepository adheres to national and international standards, obtaining informed consent from participants before collecting samples. This ensures participants are fully aware of how their samples will be used and their rights to confidentiality and withdrawal. All collection activities are IRB approved to protect participant rights and welfare.

Tissue, fluids and cells are frozen and stored at ultra-low temperatures (-80°C or in liquid nitrogen at -196°C) to preserve their cellular and molecular integrity. DNA and RNA samples are stored at -20°C or -80°C depending on specific requirements. All stored materials are cataloged and monitored in a secure, temperature-controlled environment with backup systems to ensure long-term stability and accessibility.

We ensure sample quality in our biorepository through strict adherence to standardized collection, processing, and storage protocols. Samples are collected by trained personnel, immediately processed under controlled conditions to maintain integrity, and stored in optimal environments. Regular quality checks and monitoring of storage conditions, such as temperature and humidity, are conducted to prevent degradation.

We provide demographic information including age at time of collection, sex, ethnicity and collection year.

Fees may vary. Please email [email protected] for more information.
Thanks to our Funding Sources
How to Get Involved
We'd love to have you join us! The button below will take you to our contact page - just send us a short message expressing your interest and we'll be sure to get back to you right away!
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