Understanding how piRNA guide proteins work to keep germ cells healthy across generations
Official title: Deciphering the role of RG motifs in piRNA-mediated silencing and transgenerational fertility
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11366388 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project looks at how small RNA guides influence gene regulation in germ cells and fertility, using C. elegans and other animals as models to shed light on human reproductive biology.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $347,919 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD119022-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11366388 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to a specific patient population in this grant; findings relate to basic germline biology with potential translational relevance.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefit is not the immediate aim of this basic science grant.
What this research studies
This project studies piRNA-guided silencing and how the Argonaute proteins PRG-1 and HRDE-1 control gene expression in germ cells. It will explore the role of RG motifs in these Argonaute proteins and how arginine methylation might affect RNA binding and protein interactions. By examining how piRNA pathways influence fertility across generations in multiple animals, the work aims to illuminate human germline biology and potential causes of infertility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Insights from this work could advance our understanding of human fertility and germline gene regulation, potentially guiding future therapies or diagnostics for reproductive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in model organisms have shown piRNA pathway components are essential for fertility, supporting the promise of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Phillips, Carolyn Marie — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Phillips, Carolyn Marie
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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.