Understanding how proteins are made in early mouse embryos
Official title: Single cell quantification of translation control in early mouse development
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10892160 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how proteins are made in very young mouse embryos before they start using their own genes, and it aims to understand how this process works to help ensure healthy development, which could also shed light on why some birth defects happen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $389,230 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150667-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892160 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals or couples undergoing fertility treatments or those with a history of congenital abnormalities in their families.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not planning to conceive or those with no history of genetic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the process of protein synthesis in early mouse embryos, which occurs before the embryo begins to transcribe its own genes. By using advanced technology, the researchers aim to measure how proteins are produced at a very detailed level, focusing on individual embryos. This study will help uncover the mechanisms that control gene expression during the critical early stages of development, which is essential for proper embryogenesis. The findings could provide insights into how disruptions in these processes may lead to congenital abnormalities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of embryonic development and potentially lead to new strategies for preventing congenital defects.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of measuring translation in single embryos is novel, similar studies have successfully explored gene expression dynamics in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cenik, Can — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Cenik, Can
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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.