Understanding how cells change during the early stages of embryo development
Official title: Cytoplasmic remodeling during the vertebrate oocyte-to-embryo transition
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11049710 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how eggs change into embryos and what happens inside the cells during this process, hoping to find new information that could help couples who are having trouble getting pregnant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | January 24, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $626,812 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES036194-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049710 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are couples experiencing unexplained infertility or difficulties in achieving pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infertility due to known genetic or anatomical issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the critical transition from oocyte to embryo, focusing on how cellular components are remodeled during this process. By studying the mechanisms of cytoplasmic remodeling in model organisms, the research aims to uncover novel functions of cellular structures that may influence reproductive success. The approach involves examining the localization and behavior of maternal mRNAs and their association with cellular organelles during oocyte maturation. This could provide insights into unexplained infertility in humans, particularly for couples facing challenges in conceiving.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new understanding and potential treatments for unexplained infertility in couples.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms being studied are novel, similar research approaches have shown promise in understanding reproductive biology.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Jing — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Yang, Jing
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.