How oocyte cell division works without centrosomes
Mechanisms of acentrosomal spindle assembly and stability during oocyte meiosis
This study looks at how female egg cells divide properly without certain structures that most cells have, using tiny worms to learn more about it, and the goal is to help understand why some pregnancies might not go as planned.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10916277 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind how female reproductive cells, or oocytes, divide during meiosis without the typical cellular structures called centrosomes. By using the model organism C. elegans, the study aims to understand how these cells manage to accurately separate chromosomes, which is crucial for preventing birth defects and miscarriages. The research focuses on the assembly and stability of the spindle, a structure that helps in chromosome segregation, and how it operates differently in oocytes compared to other cell types. The findings could provide insights into the causes of chromosomal abnormalities in human embryos.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who have experienced recurrent miscarriages or have concerns about chromosomal abnormalities in their pregnancies.
Not a fit: Patients who are not planning to conceive or who do not have a history of chromosomal issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention of miscarriages and birth defects caused by chromosomal abnormalities.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding meiotic processes in model organisms, but the specific mechanisms of acentrosomal spindle assembly in oocytes are still being explored.
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.