Exploring how certain animals reproduce without mating
Official title: Understanding the origin of parthenogenesis
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-10874028 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain tiny water creatures called Daphnia can reproduce without fertilization, which might help us learn more about genetics and improve reproductive health for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $372,726 |
| NIH project number | 7R35GM133730-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874028 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals interested in reproductive health, genetics, and evolutionary biology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to reproductive health or genetic disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates parthenogenesis, a form of reproduction where offspring develop from unfertilized eggs, using the freshwater microcrustacean Daphnia as a model organism. The study aims to uncover the genetic mechanisms that allow for this unique reproductive strategy, particularly focusing on how meiosis is modified in parthenogenetic species. By employing evolutionary and functional genomic techniques, the research seeks to provide insights into the genetic regulation of meiosis, which is crucial for understanding sexual reproduction. Patients may benefit from the findings as they could lead to advancements in reproductive health and genetics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of reproductive mechanisms, potentially leading to breakthroughs in fertility treatments and genetic health.
How similar studies have gone: While the exploration of parthenogenesis is a relatively novel approach, similar studies in evolutionary biology have shown promising results in understanding reproductive mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Sen — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Xu, Sen
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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.