Understanding how certain molecules in ovarian fluid can improve egg freezing techniques
Official title: Investigating the physiological significance of follicular extracellular vesicle miRNAs: From gonadotropin control of biogenesis to application in oocyte vitrification
Funded at Smithsonian Institution · NIH-10801855 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles in the fluid around cat eggs might help improve the freezing process for eggs, which could lead to better results in fertility treatments for people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Smithsonian Institution NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, DC, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $255,458 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD110572-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10801855 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women considering oocyte cryopreservation, particularly those of advanced maternal age.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking fertility preservation or are not undergoing assisted reproductive technologies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of extracellular vesicles and their microRNAs in ovarian follicular fluid, focusing on how they can enhance the effectiveness of oocyte cryopreservation. By using the domestic cat as a model, the study aims to understand how gonadotropin stimulation affects the composition of these vesicles and their potential to improve egg viability after freezing. The researchers will employ advanced microfluidic technology to simulate hormonal exposure on ovarian cells, which may lead to better outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies for humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved techniques for egg freezing, potentially increasing live birth rates for women using assisted reproductive technologies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using extracellular vesicles to enhance reproductive outcomes, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, DC, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nagashima, Jennifer — Smithsonian Institution
- Study coordinator: Nagashima, Jennifer
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding tiny packets from the ovary to improve egg freezing
Researchers are studying tiny cell-made vesicles in ovarian fluid to see if they can boost the success of using frozen eggs, with a focus on how these vesicles and their miRNA messages could help eggs stay healthy after freezing.
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Improving Egg Freezing Success Using Natural Cell Messengers
This research explores how tiny natural messengers from ovarian cells might help improve the success of frozen eggs for women undergoing fertility treatments.
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.