Understanding how calcium helps eggs develop into embryos
Official title: How calcium triggers the transition from egg to embryo
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11049657 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how calcium helps a mature egg get ready for development after it's fertilized, using fruit flies to learn more about this important process for fertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | December 9, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $335,955 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD114777-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049657 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing difficulties with fertility or those interested in assisted reproductive technologies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking fertility treatments or who have no issues with reproduction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the critical process of egg activation, where a mature egg transforms into a totipotent cell ready for development after fertilization. The study focuses on how calcium levels in the egg trigger this transition, which is essential for fertility. Using Drosophila as a model organism, the researchers will explore the role of calcium in activating specific proteins that facilitate this change. By examining the genetic and biochemical mechanisms involved, the research aims to uncover fundamental insights into reproductive biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved fertility treatments and better understanding of assisted reproductive technologies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding calcium signaling in reproductive processes, indicating that this approach has a solid foundation in existing scientific knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wolfner, Mariana Federica — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Wolfner, Mariana Federica
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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.