Understanding how chromosomes repair themselves during the formation of eggs and sperm
Official title: Recombination pathway and partner choices during meiosis
Funded at University of Oregon · NIH-11098296 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tiny worms help us understand how eggs and sperm are made, focusing on how chromosomes fix themselves when they get damaged, which is important for preventing problems like infertility and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $168,429 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM128890-06S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098296 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing infertility or those with a family history of genetic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to chromosomal abnormalities or reproductive health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms of chromosome recombination during meiosis, the process that produces eggs and sperm. By studying the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, the researchers aim to uncover how chromosomes choose their repair partners and pathways when DNA breaks occur. The study focuses on the importance of these processes in maintaining genetic integrity and preventing issues such as infertility, cancer, and birth defects. Through innovative in vivo assays, the team will analyze the roles of specific proteins and chromosome structures in regulating these choices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for infertility, cancer, and congenital abnormalities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding meiotic processes in model organisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oregon
Eugene, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Libuda, Diana Elizabeth — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Libuda, Diana Elizabeth
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.