How sperm and egg cells divide and are regulated
Molecular Mechanism and Regulation of Meiosis
This work looks for the molecular controls of the cell division that makes sperm and eggs to help people affected by infertility or at risk for chromosome-related birth defects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262303 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will study how chromosomes pair, recombine, and separate during meiosis by using genomic and proteomic screens and laboratory models of mammalian germ cells. They will focus on proteins that control where and how DNA breaks form and how only some breaks become crossovers, testing the function of newly identified factors in both males and females. The team will use biochemical and cell-based experiments to map protein interactions and regulatory steps that keep meiosis under control. Results aim to explain causes of meiotic errors that lead to infertility or birth defects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with unexplained infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, or known chromosomal abnormalities in their pregnancies would be most directly connected to findings from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose reproductive problems arise from non-meiotic causes, such as uterine structural issues or hormonal imbalances, may not directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to improved diagnostics or future treatments that reduce infertility and chromosome-related birth defects.
How similar studies have performed: Previous basic research has identified several meiosis factors, but the detailed control of DNA break formation and the full protein networks remains an area with many open questions.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Peijing Jeremy — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Wang, Peijing Jeremy
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.