Investigating how RNA modifications affect egg quality in worms.
Official title: Studying the modulators and the physiological functions of RNA tailing in the C. elegans oocyte
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11084757 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes to RNA in eggs can affect their quality as women age, using tiny worms to find out which enzymes help make these changes, so we can better understand what impacts fertility and healthy embryo development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Worcester Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | July 24, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00GM149822-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084757 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women of advanced maternal age who are experiencing fertility issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not of reproductive age or those without fertility concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of RNA tailing in the quality of oocytes, particularly as it relates to age and fertility. Using the model organism C. elegans, the study aims to identify specific enzymes that modify RNA tails and how these modifications influence RNA stability and translation during oocyte maturation and early embryogenesis. By examining these processes, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to oocyte quality, which is crucial for successful fertilization and embryo development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into improving fertility treatments for women experiencing age-related declines in oocyte quality.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on RNA tailing in oocytes is relatively novel, similar studies have shown that understanding RNA dynamics can significantly impact fertility research.
Where this research is happening
-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vieux, Karl-Frederic — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Vieux, Karl-Frederic
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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.