NIH-funded research R15 grant

Understanding how certain proteins regulate chromosome separation during the formation of eggs and sperm

Official title: Positive and negative regulation of REC-8 cohesin during meiosis

Funded at Cleveland State University · NIH-10292017 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a special protein called REC-8 helps make sure chromosomes separate correctly during the formation of sperm and eggs, which is important for healthy reproduction, and it aims to find out more about the genes that influence this process to better understand issues like birth defects and miscarriages.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2021
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2021
Award (this year)$445,500
NIH project number1R15GM143731-01
Project IDNIH-10292017 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals or families with a history of congenital abnormalities or recurrent miscarriages.

Less likely to help

Patients with no history of genetic issues or those not affected by congenital abnormalities may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms that control the separation of chromosomes during meiosis, which is crucial for producing healthy sperm and eggs. It focuses on the role of a specific protein, REC-8, and how it ensures proper chromosome segregation. By using genetic screening in the model organism C. elegans, the researchers aim to identify genes that affect REC-8 function and understand how these genes contribute to the meiotic process. This work could provide insights into the causes of congenital abnormalities and miscarriages related to chromosome segregation errors.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for conditions related to congenital abnormalities and miscarriages.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding meiotic processes and their implications for fertility, making this approach promising.

Where this research is happening

  • Cleveland State University
    Cleveland, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Severson, Aaron F — Cleveland State University
  • Study coordinator: Severson, Aaron F

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.