How maternal age affects the maturation of egg cell structures during fertilization
Official title: Fertilization-induced maturation of cortical ER clusters in oocytes; impact of maternal age
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11080383 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a mother's age affects the development of important structures in her egg cells during fertilization, helping us understand why older women might face more challenges with fertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $460,526 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG083248-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080383 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women of advanced reproductive age who are experiencing difficulties with fertility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have fertility issues may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal age on the maturation of cortical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) clusters in egg cells during fertilization. It explores how these structures, which are crucial for oocyte quality, change in response to sperm binding and how they are influenced by the age of the mother. The study employs in vivo techniques to observe the interactions between sperm and egg cells, particularly focusing on the role of actin structures and specific proteins involved in this process. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to shed light on fertility challenges faced by older women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved fertility treatments for women of advanced maternal age.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding cellular mechanisms related to fertilization can lead to significant advancements in reproductive technology, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christenson, Lane K. — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Christenson, Lane K.
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.