Proteins that help sperm and egg membranes fuse
Official title: Membrane proteins driving a cell-cell fusion reaction during fertilization
Funded at University of Wyoming · NIH-11308717 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how specific proteins make sperm and egg membranes stick and merge, which could inform ways to block parasites like malaria and improve understanding of fertilization.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wyoming NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Laramie, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00GM146112-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11308717 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
There is no patient enrollment for this lab-based project, but people at risk of malaria or those interested in reproductive health could benefit indirectly from the findings.
✕Less likely to help
This project will not provide direct treatments, clinical care, or clinical trial enrollment for people seeking immediate help with infertility or active malaria infection.
What this research studies
Researchers use a bi‑ciliated green alga as a simple model to study the gamete fusion protein HAP2 and the adhesion molecules that bring membranes together. They will use genetics, biochemistry, and structural methods to identify regulatory motifs and how the fusion protein is triggered. The team will compare HAP2’s structure to viral class II fusion proteins and test molecular features that might be targeted to stop parasite fertilization. Results aim to reveal basic mechanisms relevant to both malaria transmission and fundamental reproductive biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help guide new ways to block parasite transmission (for example, malaria vaccines) and improve basic knowledge of fertilization that might inform future fertility treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work identified HAP2 as essential across many organisms and showed a Plasmodium HAP2 motif can be targeted for transmission-blocking vaccines, but translation to human-relevant interventions remains early.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wyoming
Laramie, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pinello, Jennifer Fricke — University of Wyoming
- Study coordinator: Pinello, Jennifer Fricke
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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.