How sperm and egg recognize each other and fuse
Cell Surface Receptor Recognition and Membrane Fusion in Mammalian Fertilization
This project looks at how proteins on sperm and eggs help them recognize one another and merge, to improve understanding of fertilization.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262302 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study proteins on sperm and egg surfaces, including the known pair Izumo1 and Juno, to learn how they stick together and trigger membrane fusion. They will use biochemical methods, structural studies, and animal models to see how these proteins assemble and change shape during fertilization. The team will search for additional receptor–ligand pairs on gametes that are essential for fusion. Findings aim to reveal the step-by-step molecular events that allow two cells to become one.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by unexplained infertility or couples interested in fertility research would be most likely to follow or join related future human studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose reproductive problems are due to hormonal, uterine, or non-gamete causes may not directly benefit from this basic cellular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new causes of infertility and suggest targets for improved fertility treatments or novel contraceptives.
How similar studies have performed: Scientists have identified the Izumo1–Juno receptor pair as essential, but much of the membrane fusion machinery remains novel and largely unproven in humans.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Shaogeng — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Tang, Shaogeng
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.