How plants manage genetic mutations during their development
Official title: Developmental mechanisms that buffer mutational load in plants
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11087682 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how plants, like corn and a small flower called Arabidopsis, handle genetic changes that can cause problems, and it aims to learn how they keep their cells healthy and diverse throughout their lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $360,480 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151237-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087682 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals interested in plant genetics or those involved in agricultural sciences.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in plant biology or those not involved in agricultural practices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how plants cope with the accumulation of genetic mutations that can lead to issues like cancer, aging, and infertility. By studying organisms like maize and Arabidopsis, the project aims to understand the mechanisms that help maintain genetic diversity in plant stem cells. The researchers will use advanced techniques such as deep sequencing to track mutations in different tissues throughout the plant's life cycle. They will also explore how chromosomal regulation during pollen development affects mutation rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of genetic stability in plants, which may have implications for agriculture and crop resilience.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding genetic mutation mechanisms in various organisms, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelms, Bradlee — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Nelms, Bradlee
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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.