Understanding a protein important for female fertility
Official title: Dissecting the function of Nemp1, a nuclear envelope protein critical for mammalian fertility
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10988251 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called Nemp1 to see how it helps women produce healthy eggs, using mice to understand what happens to fertility when Nemp1 is missing, so we can learn more about egg quality and reserves.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $565,330 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD108639-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988251 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing infertility or early menopause, particularly those with a family history of reproductive issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not female or those who do not have fertility concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called Nemp1, which is essential for the development of healthy eggs in women. By studying mice, the researchers aim to uncover how the absence of Nemp1 affects fertility, particularly focusing on the loss of egg reserves and the quality of the remaining eggs. They will explore the timing and mechanisms behind these changes and identify the specific cells in the ovaries that depend on Nemp1. The study employs advanced techniques like mass spectrometry to analyze protein interactions in eggs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into female fertility and potential treatments for women facing infertility issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the genetic and molecular basis of fertility can lead to significant advancements in reproductive health, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcneill, Helen — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Mcneill, Helen
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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.