Investigating the role of a specific protein in early-stage egg cell development
Official title: Breaking Down the Balbiani Body and Germplasm: An Endogenous Structure and Function Analysis on the Buc Protein
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11165278 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special part of early egg cells called the Balbiani body, which helps set up important materials for developing embryos, and it will explore how a protein called Buc helps build this structure in zebrafish to better understand how it all works and why it matters for development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HD118792-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11165278 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the biological mechanisms of reproduction and embryonic development, particularly those affected by conditions related to germline specification.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established reproductive health issues unrelated to the mechanisms of early embryonic development may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the Balbiani body, a crucial structure in early-stage egg cells that helps organize maternal factors necessary for embryonic development. The study will explore how the Buc protein, which is essential for the assembly of this structure, functions and how its different regions contribute to the process. By manipulating the Buc protein in zebrafish, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind the formation of the Balbiani body and its role in germline specification. This could provide insights into fundamental biological processes that are relevant to various developmental conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of early embryonic development and potentially inform treatments for reproductive and developmental disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on the Buc protein is novel, similar studies on protein functions in embryonic development have shown promising results in understanding cellular organization.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guerin, Megan Nicole — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Guerin, Megan Nicole
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.