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-11032561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how pollen from male plants interacts with the female parts of flowers to help deliver sperm for fertilization, aiming to understand the important steps and signals involved in plant reproduction.
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) | $200,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R01GM147548-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are agricultural scientists, plant biologists, and farmers interested in improving crop reproduction and yield.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in agriculture or plant biology 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 how these interactions facilitate the delivery of sperm for fertilization. The study examines three critical phases of pollen tube growth and communication within the pistil, aiming to uncover the molecular mechanisms that ensure successful reproduction. By identifying key signaling pathways and barriers that regulate this process, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of plant reproductive biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved agricultural practices and crop yields by enhancing our understanding of plant reproduction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified key molecular players in plant reproduction, suggesting that this approach has a foundation of success.
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.