How eggs control early embryo development before genes turn on
Gene regulatory mechanisms driving development during transcriptional silence from oocyte to embryo in mammals
This research looks at how eggs and very early embryos manage development when new gene activity is switched off, with a goal of helping people facing infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252347 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient's view, researchers study eggs and the first cells of embryos to learn how development is guided when the embryo is not yet making new RNA. They use mouse models and lab work on human egg or embryo samples, applying genetic tools, molecular assays, and imaging to track the molecules that regulate existing messages. By comparing normally developing eggs and embryos with those that fail, the team aims to identify molecular steps needed for successful progression through this critical window. Those findings could point to biomarkers or targets that help explain why many IVF embryos do not survive this early stage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal contributors would be people undergoing IVF or those with suspected egg-related infertility who can donate eggs, embryos, or related clinical samples and data.
Not a fit: People whose infertility is solely due to non-egg issues (for example, purely uterine problems or isolated severe male-factor infertility) may not see a direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better tests or treatments to improve IVF success and diagnose some causes of infertility.
How similar studies have performed: Related animal and cell studies have revealed some mechanisms, but applying these molecular insights to mammalian and human eggs is relatively new and not yet proven to improve clinical IVF outcomes.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cook-Andersen, Heidi — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Cook-Andersen, Heidi
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.