Understanding how egg cells form in the ovary
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms regulating Primordial Follicle Formation
Funded at Syracuse University · NIH-11137115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores the fundamental steps of how egg cells develop in the ovary, which is important for understanding fertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Syracuse University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $224,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD112756-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11137115 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients interested in the fundamental causes of infertility or those facing challenges with egg development may find this basic science research relevant to future treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or direct participation in a human study would not directly benefit from this foundational laboratory research.
What this research studies
We are looking into the early stages of egg cell development, starting from primordial germ cells that form clusters called germline cysts. These cysts then break apart, and individual egg cells are surrounded by other cells to create primordial follicles, which are the basic units of the ovary. A significant number of egg cells are lost during this process, and we want to discover the molecular signals that guide the formation of healthy primordial follicles. Our work focuses on understanding how a signaling pathway involving a protein called KIT helps establish the pool of egg cells in the ovary.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of infertility and potentially new ways to preserve or restore fertility for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work from this lab and preliminary data suggest that specific signaling pathways play a role in primordial follicle formation, building on existing knowledge in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Syracuse University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pepling, Melissa E — Syracuse University
- Study coordinator: Pepling, Melissa E
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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.