How eggs and sperm begin and complete their special cell division
Regulatory mechanisms of meiotic entry and progression
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J. · NIH-11174473
This project looks at how germ cells start and carry out the unique division that makes eggs and sperm to help explain miscarriages and birth defects.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J. (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PISCATAWAY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11174473 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work uses mouse models to learn how germ cells switch from normal cell division to the special program that produces eggs and sperm. The team focuses on two regulatory pathways, one acting inside germ cells and one coming from surrounding tissues, and on proteins called YTHDC2 and MEIOC that control RNA. They will map where these proteins bind RNA across the genome and make targeted mutations to see how those interactions affect chromosome behavior and cell-cycle progression. By linking molecular details to errors that cause aneuploidy, the research aims to clarify causes of miscarriage and congenital anomalies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by recurrent miscarriage, unexplained infertility, or a family history of chromosomal abnormalities would be most relevant to the implications of this work.
Not a fit: Patients with non-reproductive health issues or infertility caused by hormonal, structural, or partner-specific problems unrelated to chromosome errors are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could improve understanding of why chromosome errors occur in eggs and sperm and eventually inform diagnostics or strategies to reduce miscarriage and birth defects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and molecular studies have shown YTHDC2 and related factors are important for meiosis, but combining genome-wide RNA-binding maps with structure-function mutations to link those factors to aneuploidy is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
PISCATAWAY, UNITED STATES
- RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J. — PISCATAWAY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JAIN, DEVANSHI — RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J.
- Study coordinator: JAIN, DEVANSHI
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.
Conditions: Child Development Disorders