How egg cells prevent chromosome mistakes
Regulation of chromosome segregation during oocyte meiosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11162333
This project looks at how egg cells avoid chromosome errors that can cause miscarriages and birth defects, which could help people hoping for a healthy pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11162333 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use a tiny model organism (C. elegans) whose egg cells share key features with human eggs to study how chromosomes are separated during egg formation. In the lab they image oocyte cell division, map the microtubule structures and proteins that surround chromosomes, and manipulate those components to see what causes errors. The work focuses on why female meiosis is especially prone to making extra or missing chromosomes (aneuploidy). Findings aim to reveal the cellular steps that fail in eggs so future clinical approaches can target those mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: There is no patient enrollment in this lab-based project, but the results are most relevant to people with a history of miscarriage, infertility linked to chromosome errors, or those hoping to have a healthy pregnancy.
Not a fit: Because this is basic laboratory research using worm models, there is no immediate treatment or direct benefit to patients during the grant period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular steps that lead to chromosome errors in eggs and point the way toward future tests or treatments to reduce miscarriages and birth defects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using model organisms have uncovered key mechanisms of meiosis and aneuploidy, but translating those findings into human therapies remains an early and ongoing effort.
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.