Signaling molecules that trigger egg activation during fertilization
Official title: Identification of signaling molecules that function at fertilization
Funded at Midwestern University (Glendale Az) · NIH-11360805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at understanding how sperm-egg contact starts the embryo’s development by mapping the signaling steps in sea stars that activate the egg.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Midwestern University (Glendale Az) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Glendale, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $489,777 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HD116067-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11360805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patient enrollment; laboratory research using sea star models.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation or benefit in this preclinical study.
What this research studies
This project studies the molecular signals that switch on an egg when fertilization occurs, using sea stars as a model because their eggs are easy to work with and very transparent. Researchers will create and test pieces of known signaling proteins to see which interactions drive the activation process and early embryo development. They will use biochemical tools and mass spectrometry to identify proteins that work with Src1, Src3, and PLCγ during this activation. The work could reveal key steps that could inform human reproductive biology in the long term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding egg activation could lead to insights into fertilization and early development that may someday inform fertility treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have identified signaling components in fertilization; applying these methods to sea stars is a logical step in mapping universal activation pathways.
Where this research is happening
-
Midwestern University (Glendale Az)
Glendale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carroll, David J — Midwestern University (Glendale Az)
- Study coordinator: Carroll, David J
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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.