Understanding how human embryos manage chromosomal abnormalities during early development
Official title: Modeling Chromosomal Mosaicism During Early Human Embryogenesis on Microraft Array Platform
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11070139 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how some embryos with extra or missing chromosomes can still grow well, and it’s exploring how a process called autophagy helps get rid of unhealthy cells, which could help doctors better understand which embryos are more likely to lead to a healthy pregnancy for people trying to conceive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | December 13, 2024 |
| Project end | July 12, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $44,457 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HD115304-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070139 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) who have experienced poor pregnancy outcomes or have embryos with chromosomal abnormalities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing fertility treatments or do not have concerns related to chromosomal abnormalities in embryos may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how human embryos with chromosomal abnormalities, known as aneuploidy, can still develop successfully. It focuses on the role of autophagy, a process that helps cells survive or die, in eliminating unhealthy cells from these embryos. By creating a new platform to study these processes in a lab setting, the research aims to better predict which embryos have the potential for healthy development, especially for patients undergoing fertility treatments. This could lead to improved outcomes for those facing challenges with pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the success rates of fertility treatments by identifying healthier embryos for implantation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in animal models have shown promise in understanding how embryos can correct chromosomal abnormalities, but this research aims to explore these mechanisms specifically in humans, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jan, Ian — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Jan, Ian
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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.