Oogenesis and Speciation: How Environment Shapes Reproductive Barriers
Official title: The Role of Oogenesis in Speciation
Funded at Auburn University at Auburn · NIH-11350923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Auburn University will look at how environmental stress affects female gamete development (oogenesis) and, in turn, how it may drive the formation of new species and relate to infertility concerns.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Auburn University at Auburn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Auburn, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 18, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $374,255 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM147501-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11350923 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals affected by infertility or environmental reproductive health concerns may indirectly benefit through future translational research.
✕Less likely to help
Direct clinical benefits to patients are not guaranteed in the short term; the study is foundational science.
What this research studies
This project explores how stress from the environment might change oogenesis and increase genetic differences that contribute to speciation. It focuses on recombination, transposable elements, gene regulation, and structural variants as key outcomes. By linking environmental effects on oogenesis to reproductive health concerns, the work aims to reveal mechanisms that could influence infertility research and public health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could improve understanding of infertility and reproductive health risks related to environmental stress.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows recombination rates can be environmentally influenced, but the specific focus on oogenesis and environmental stress in relation to speciation is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Auburn University at Auburn
Auburn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stevison, Laurie Sherie — Auburn University at Auburn
- Study coordinator: Stevison, Laurie Sherie
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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.