Improving Egg Freezing Success Using Natural Cell Messengers
Investigating the physiological significance of follicular extracellular vesicle miRNAs: From gonadotropin control of biogenesis to application in oocyte vitrification
This research explores how tiny natural messengers from ovarian cells might help improve the success of frozen eggs for women undergoing fertility treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Smithsonian Institution NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, DC, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193892 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As more women choose to freeze their eggs, we know that frozen eggs can sometimes lead to lower live birth rates compared to fresh eggs. This project looks at tiny packages called extracellular vesicles (EVs) that cells naturally release, which contain important regulatory molecules. We believe these EVs, particularly those from the fluid around the egg, could help damaged eggs recover after freezing. Using a domestic cat as a model, we aim to understand how these EVs work and if adding them can improve the quality and function of frozen eggs, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for women who are considering or undergoing egg freezing and other assisted reproductive technologies.
Not a fit: Patients not undergoing fertility treatments or egg freezing would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to improve the quality of frozen eggs, potentially increasing live birth rates for women using assisted reproductive technologies.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that adding extracellular vesicles can improve early embryo development and egg quality in laboratory settings.
Where this research is happening
Washington, DC, UNITED STATES
- Smithsonian Institution — Washington, DC, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nagashima, Jennifer — Smithsonian Institution
- Study coordinator: Nagashima, Jennifer
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.