How egg cells build the machinery that separates chromosomes
Mechanisms underpinning meiotic spindle formation and behavior
Researchers are looking at how tiny structures inside egg cells build and position the machinery that separates chromosomes, which may help lower risks of infertility and pregnancy loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175278 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks inside egg cells to see how they build the spindle—the structure that pulls chromosomes apart—and why this process sometimes goes wrong. The team will study how microtubules and a cell skeleton called F-actin work together to organize spindle poles and will examine a newly discovered class of microtubule-organizing centers (mcMTOCs). They will use detailed cell imaging and laboratory experiments on oocytes to compare spindles that form in the center of the egg versus at the cell edge. The goal is to explain why some eggs end up with the wrong number of chromosomes and to point to ways to improve egg quality.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, advanced maternal age, or a history suggesting egg chromosomal errors would be the most likely candidates for related sample donation or clinical follow-up.
Not a fit: People whose health issues are unrelated to egg quality or chromosome errors—such as many male-factor fertility problems or non-reproductive conditions—may not benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help reduce chromosome errors in eggs that lead to infertility, miscarriage, or genetic conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier work has suggested both microtubules and actin shape the egg spindle, but the focus on mcMTOCs and the detailed mechanisms here is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balboula, Ahmed — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Balboula, Ahmed
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.