Fertilization-driven changes in oocyte ER clusters and how maternal age affects them
Official title: Fertilization-induced maturation of cortical ER clusters in oocytes; impact of maternal age.
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11552739 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how special ER clusters in egg cells change during fertilization and why eggs from older mothers may behave differently, with the aim of improving fertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $30,502 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG083248-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11552739 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with fertility concerns related to aging and those pursuing assisted reproductive technologies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not facing age-related fertility issues or not seeking assisted reproduction may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how cortical ER clusters near the egg’s membrane mature after fertilization and how actin structures influence where sperm binds. They will test whether actin remodeling proteins like RhoA and cdc42 control the formation of sperm binding sites and ER cluster changes. The study uses mouse models to observe ER cluster dynamics, maturation events after fertilization, and differences in eggs from younger versus older females. Findings could reveal targets to improve egg quality and fertilization success in assisted reproduction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to enhance egg quality and fertility treatment outcomes for patients facing age-related reproductive challenges.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows ER clustering and actin dynamics are linked to fertilization, but this project extends understanding to maternal age effects.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christenson, Lane K. — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Christenson, Lane K.
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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.