Understanding how proteins evolve to enable fertilization in different species
Official title: Integration of biophysics and deep learning to understand species-specificity of fertilization and the rapid evolution of protein disorder
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10916420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain proteins help with fertilization in different animals, aiming to understand how these proteins work together so that only the right species can mate, which is important for learning more about how reproduction happens.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $375,781 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150583-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals interested in reproductive health, particularly those affected by fertility issues or involved in conservation of endangered species.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to reproductive health or those not interested in the biological mechanisms of fertilization may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the rapid evolution of proteins involved in fertilization, focusing on how these proteins function and interact in different species. By utilizing advanced techniques like high-field NMR spectroscopy and high throughput mutagenesis, the study aims to uncover the sequence-function relationships of gamete recognition proteins. This could provide insights into the biochemical properties that allow for species-specific fertilization, which is crucial for understanding reproductive biology. The research will span five years and involve detailed analysis of proteins from various animal species.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of reproductive processes and potentially inform conservation efforts and fertility treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding protein interactions and evolution, but this specific approach to studying fertilization proteins is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilburn, Damien Beau — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Wilburn, Damien Beau
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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.