Chromosome errors and cell fragments in early mammal embryos
Comparative Analysis of Aneuploidy and Cellular Fragmentation Dynamics in Mammalian Embryos
Looking at how whole-chromosome mistakes and tiny cell fragments form in early embryos across different mammals to better understand embryo loss for people and animals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11318887 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare embryos from humans and several mammals (including cattle, pigs, horses, mice, and rhesus macaques) using high-resolution whole-genome sequencing and advanced microscopy to map whole-chromosome gains and losses and to visualize cellular fragmentation. They will determine whether cell fragments can enclose DNA from mis-segregated chromosomes and whether those errors arise during meiosis or mitosis. By comparing species with high and low rates of aneuploidy and fragmentation, the team aims to identify mechanisms that lead to embryo arrest or miscarriage. The work relies on donated human embryos and animal embryos examined in the lab with genomic and imaging techniques.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People undergoing IVF who are willing to donate unused embryos or consent to provide embryo samples or related clinical data would be the most relevant participants for this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments for non-reproductive conditions or those not involved in fertility care are unlikely to see direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify causes of early embryo loss and help improve embryo selection or other approaches in fertility care.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown aneuploidy and cellular fragmentation occur in human and some animal embryos, but this cross-species, high-resolution comparison of how fragments sequester chromosomes is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chavez, Shawn L. — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Chavez, Shawn L.
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 below.