Understanding how egg cells form and organize their spindles during division
Mechanisms underpinning meiotic spindle formation and behavior
This study looks at how egg cells in women create the structures needed for dividing their chromosomes during the process of making eggs, which is important for fertility, especially when there are problems with these structures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167356 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind spindle formation in female egg cells during meiosis, a crucial process for producing viable gametes. The study focuses on how these spindles are organized without traditional centrosomes, using various microtubule organizing centers and the role of F-actin in this process. By examining the interactions between these components, the research aims to fill gaps in our understanding of chromosome segregation and genome inheritance in oocytes. This could provide insights into fertility issues related to abnormal spindle formation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing difficulty conceiving or those with known meiotic abnormalities.
Not a fit: Patients who are not female or those not experiencing reproductive issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for infertility caused by meiotic errors.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms being studied are novel, related research has shown success in understanding spindle dynamics in other cell types.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balboula, Ahmed — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Balboula, Ahmed
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 below.