How cells build the structures that make eggs and sperm
Regulation of microtubule organizing centers during mammalian gametogenesis
This project looks at how key cell components guide egg and sperm formation to lower chromosome errors that can cause infertility or birth defects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322052 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are comparing how sperm and eggs assemble the cellular machines called microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) that line up chromosomes during cell division. They focus on proteins that control centriole duplication and spindle formation, including PLK4 and regulators of PP2A, using advanced imaging and molecular lab techniques. The team uses mammalian lab models and new experimental tools to track MTOC dynamics across the different steps of gamete formation. Results aim to explain why eggs and sperm use different MTOC processes and how those differences can lead to aneuploidy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: There is no current patient enrollment; the work is lab-based but is most relevant to people affected by infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss linked to chromosome abnormalities.
Not a fit: Patients whose infertility is caused by non-chromosomal issues such as blocked fallopian tubes or pure hormonal disorders are less likely to benefit directly from this basic-science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify causes of chromosome errors in eggs and sperm and eventually inform new diagnostics or treatments for some forms of infertility and risk of birth defects.
How similar studies have performed: Prior basic-science studies have shown PLK4 is a key regulator of centriole duplication, but applying these findings to compare sperm and egg MTOC behavior is a newer direction.
Where this research is happening
Bethesda, United States
- Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med — Bethesda, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jordan, Philip W — Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
- Study coordinator: Jordan, Philip W
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.