Understanding how age affects chromosome behavior during egg cell formation
Preventing Age-Associated Oocyte Aneuploidy: Mechanisms Behind the Drosophila melanogaster Centromere Effect
This study looks at how aging affects the way egg cells divide and separate their chromosomes, which can lead to issues like Down syndrome and infertility, and it uses fruit flies to help understand these changes so we can improve reproductive health for older women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10909298 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that lead to chromosome misalignment during the formation of egg cells, particularly as women age. It focuses on a phenomenon known as the centromere effect, which helps ensure that chromosomes are correctly segregated during cell division. By studying the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, researchers aim to uncover how age-related changes weaken this protective mechanism, potentially leading to conditions like Down syndrome and infertility. The findings could provide insights into improving reproductive health for older women.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women of advanced maternal age who are planning to conceive or have experienced infertility issues.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger and do not have concerns related to chromosomal disorders or infertility may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of chromosomal disorders in pregnancies among older women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that understanding chromosome behavior can lead to significant advancements in reproductive health, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pazhayam, Nila Madassary — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Pazhayam, Nila Madassary
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 below.