Understanding how mammalian egg cells develop and their quality
Official title: Comparative analysis of molecular events in mammalian oocytes
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11094008 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how egg cells develop in humans and animals like cows and pigs to understand why some of them don't work well, which can lead to infertility or health problems in babies, and it aims to find out what might be causing these issues during cell division.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | August 4, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $330,396 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD113358-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094008 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include women experiencing infertility issues, particularly those with a history of poor egg quality or aneuploidy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking fertility treatments or who do not have concerns related to egg quality may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms involved in the maturation of mammalian oocytes, which are crucial for successful pregnancy. The focus is on understanding why these egg cells, particularly in humans, cattle, and pigs, often exhibit reduced quality, leading to infertility and congenital defects. By analyzing the positioning of the nucleus and spindle during cell division, the study aims to uncover factors that contribute to aneuploidy, a condition that affects chromosome number and is a significant cause of reproductive issues. The research employs comparative analysis across different species to identify common patterns and risks associated with oocyte quality.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved techniques in assisted reproductive technologies, enhancing pregnancy success rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding oocyte quality through similar comparative approaches, indicating potential for breakthroughs in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balboula, Ahmed — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Balboula, Ahmed
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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.