Exploring how certain genetic elements influence early embryo development
Official title: Understanding functions of LTR retrotransposon activation in preimplantation development
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11097522 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genetic elements called LTR retrotransposons help control early embryo development, especially during a key moment when genes start to turn on, which could lead to better understanding and improvements in fertility treatments for people trying to conceive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $401,927 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD118540-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097522 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals undergoing in vitro fertilization or those interested in reproductive health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking fertility treatments or have no interest in reproductive health may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons in the early stages of embryo development, particularly during a critical process known as zygotic gene activation (ZGA). By examining how these genetic elements function as regulatory components, the study aims to uncover their impact on gene expression and embryonic growth. The research employs advanced genetic manipulation techniques to analyze the activation of these retrotransposons in mouse models, which may provide insights relevant to human reproductive health. Understanding these mechanisms could help address issues related to embryo viability in assisted reproductive technologies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved outcomes for embryos in in vitro fertilization, potentially reducing the rate of embryo arrest.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding genetic regulation in early development can lead to significant advancements in reproductive medicine, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Zhiyuan — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Chen, Zhiyuan
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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.