CaMKII in Mammalian Egg Activation: Real-time Biosensors to Predict Fertility Reproduction Outcomes
Official title: Defining the Dynamics and Regulation of CaMKIIy in Egg Activation
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11363453 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to watch how CaMKII activity changes in egg cells during maturation and fertilization using new real-time biosensors to better understand early embryo development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | May 25, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $436,628 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD122154-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11363453 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are women/couples seeking fertility care or research collaborations who provide eggs or consent to studies involving egg activation biology under appropriate ethical approvals.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not participating in egg-related research or not undergoing fertility procedures may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project will use advanced FRET-based biosensors to monitor CaMKIIγ activity live in mammalian eggs as they mature, are fertilized, and begin early development. By comparing sensor reports with known calcium signals, the study hopes to map how CaMKII activity is regulated through autophosphorylation and divalent ion dynamics. The results could clarify mechanisms that control egg activation and embryo viability, potentially guiding future fertility interventions. The work is conducted in the lab at the University of Massachusetts Amherst with established imaging and molecular biology capabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal real-time biomarkers of egg activation and early embryo competence, informing fertility treatments and assisted reproduction.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary sensor improvements (FRESCA-2 and FRESCA-3) have shown more accurate reporting of CaMKII activity in cells, suggesting potential for broader application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fissore, Rafael Antonio — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Fissore, Rafael Antonio
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.