Genes essential for egg function and fertilization
Official title: Role of PGM-3 and SPE-56 in fertilization and egg activation
Funded at Duquesne University · NIH-11619389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how eggs become ready to fertilize and trigger embryo development, using a worm model to uncover key egg-side Molecules that could inform fertility and birth control research for adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duquesne University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HD115785-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11619389 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults experiencing infertility or individuals interested in reproductive health research who could participate in future related studies or trials.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals without reproductive concerns may not directly benefit from this work.
What this research studies
This project uses the Caenorhabditis elegans worm model to identify genes on the egg side that are required for binding and fusion with sperm and for activating the oocyte to embryo transition. A forward genetic screen with new balancer chromosomes will help pinpoint uncharacterized genes involved in these early fertilization steps. The work aims to reveal molecular mechanisms that could lead to new fertility therapies or contraceptive targets, with potential relevance to human reproduction. Results from this work will come from precise genetic and biochemical methods in a model organism chosen for its genetic similarity to mammals and fast generation time. The ultimate goal is to translate these mechanistic insights toward improving reproductive health options for adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of egg-side factors could lead to new ways to treat infertility or to develop novel contraception.
How similar studies have gone: Previous genetic approaches in model organisms have successfully identified egg function genes and informed mammalian fertility research.
Where this research is happening
-
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maniates, Katherine Ann — Duquesne University
- Study coordinator: Maniates, Katherine Ann
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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.