How egg cells build and stabilize the machinery that separates chromosomes without centrosomes
Mechanisms of acentrosomal spindle assembly and stability during oocyte meiosis
This project looks at how egg cells form and keep stable the structures that separate chromosomes so we can lower the risk of miscarriages and birth defects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178536 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Female egg cells must divide without centrosomes, which means they use different machinery to separate chromosomes and are prone to errors that cause aneuploidy, miscarriages, and birth defects. The researchers use the tiny worm C. elegans to watch how microtubules are created and organized near the oocyte nucleus and how the spindle is stabilized during meiosis. They focus on steps like microtubule nucleation next to the disassembling nuclear envelope and the sorting of microtubules so chromosome ends are positioned correctly. Results in worms may point to molecules or pathways to study in human eggs and could guide future diagnostic or therapeutic approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant to people concerned about age-related egg errors, recurrent miscarriage, or chromosomal birth defects when planning pregnancy.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatments or current pregnancy care are unlikely to receive direct benefit because this is basic lab research using a worm model.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal why chromosome errors happen in eggs and help guide future tests or treatments to reduce miscarriage and birth defect risk.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory studies in worms and mammals have uncovered parts of the acentrosomal spindle machinery, but moving those discoveries into human diagnostics or therapies is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wignall, Sarah Marie — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Wignall, Sarah Marie
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.