Understanding how membrane proteins help sperm and egg cells fuse during fertilization
Official title: Membrane proteins driving a cell-cell fusion reaction during fertilization
Funded at University of Wyoming · NIH-11259592 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how sperm and egg cells join together to create new life, focusing on a special protein called HAP2 that helps with this process, and it's using a type of green algae to learn more about how this works, which could help us understand fertility and related health issues better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wyoming NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Laramie, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00GM146112-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11259592 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals experiencing infertility or those interested in reproductive health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking fertility treatments or have no interest in reproductive health may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the critical process of membrane fusion between sperm and egg cells, which is essential for fertilization in eukaryotic organisms. The study focuses on identifying the specific proteins involved in this fusion process, particularly the ancient protein HAP2, which has been shown to be vital across various species. By using a green alga as a model system, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that regulate this fusion, potentially leading to new insights into reproductive biology and related diseases. The approach includes advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the proteins involved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding fertility and developing new treatments for infertility or transmission-blocking vaccines for diseases like malaria.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding similar fusion proteins in viral infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wyoming
Laramie, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pinello, Jennifer Fricke — University of Wyoming
- Study coordinator: Pinello, Jennifer Fricke
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.