Understanding how embryos develop from oocytes without new gene activity
Official title: Gene regulatory mechanisms driving development during transcriptional silence from oocyte to embryo in mammals
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11018444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eggs turn into embryos in mammals and what happens when genes are temporarily turned off during this important change, with the goal of helping people understand infertility better and improve fertility treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $508,315 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM157073-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11018444 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing infertility or those undergoing in vitro fertilization.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking fertility assistance or who have no issues with conception may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the critical transition from oocyte to embryo in mammals, focusing on the period when gene transcription is silenced. It aims to uncover the post-transcriptional mechanisms that regulate gene expression during this phase, which is essential for successful embryo development. By studying these processes, the research seeks to improve our understanding of infertility and enhance fertility treatments. The project will utilize advanced molecular biology techniques to analyze gene regulation in oocytes and early embryos.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved infertility treatments and better outcomes for in vitro fertilization.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding gene regulation during early development, but this specific focus on transcriptional silence in mammals is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cook-Andersen, Heidi — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Cook-Andersen, Heidi
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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.