Understanding how male and female plant parts work together for successful reproduction
Official title: Deciphering Male- and Female-coordinated Gating Mechanisms that Ensure Plant Reproductive Success
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-10913600 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how pollen from male plants communicates with the female parts of flowers to help fertilize seeds, aiming to better understand this process and improve how we grow crops.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $315,132 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM147548-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913600 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include agricultural scientists, plant biologists, and farmers interested in enhancing plant reproductive success.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not involved in agriculture or plant science may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between male pollen and female pistil tissues in flowering plants, focusing on the communication that occurs during the pollen tube's journey to fertilize the egg. The study aims to dissect three critical phases of this process, which are essential for successful fertilization and seed production. By identifying key molecular players involved in these phases, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of plant reproduction and improve agricultural outcomes. The methodology includes detailed biochemical analyses and signaling pathway investigations to uncover how these interactions are regulated.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved crop yields and better strategies for plant breeding.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding plant reproductive mechanisms, making this study a continuation of established scientific inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheung, Alice Y. — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Cheung, Alice Y.
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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.