Role of retrotransposons in aging ovaries
Official title: The role of retrotransposons in female reproductive aging
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11335652 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant explores how certain retrotransposons affect aging of female reproductive cells and development, with potential implications for fertility and healthy aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $580,135 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG078958-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11335652 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals seeking information on female reproductive aging and fertility could benefit from the insights this research may generate.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without concerns about reproductive aging may not directly benefit in the near term.
What this research studies
The project focuses on how retrotransposons, which make up a large part of the genome, can act as regulators in aging oocytes and early embryos. Using CRISPR-based tools, the researchers will study how these elements influence gene expression and oocyte quality as they age. The goal is to understand how aging changes retrotransposon activity and what that means for female reproductive health. Findings could illuminate new ways to protect fertility during aging and to understand age-related changes in early development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of why female fertility declines with age and potential strategies to preserve oocyte quality.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked retrotransposon activity to development and aging, with preliminary data suggesting functional roles in oocyte biology.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: He, Lin — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: He, Lin
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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.