Understanding how sex-specific differences in a protein affect early embryo development
Official title: Balancing Act: Equalizing Sex Specific Differences in CENP-A levels is Critical for Mammalian Embryogenesis
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11070474 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called CENP-A helps balance genetic material from mom and dad during the early stages of embryo development, which is important for healthy pregnancies and preventing issues like chromosome problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,550 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HD117648-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070474 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing difficulties with conception or those who have had previous pregnancies affected by chromosomal abnormalities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking to conceive or who do not have a history of chromosomal issues in their pregnancies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein, CENP-A, in the early development of mammalian embryos. It focuses on how differences in CENP-A levels between maternal and paternal contributions are balanced during the formation of the zygote, which is crucial for proper cell division and embryo viability. By studying these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover the molecular origins of chromosome number abnormalities, known as aneuploidies, that can lead to complications in pregnancy. The approach involves examining the dynamics of CENP-A in germline cells and its regulation in a sex-specific manner.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential interventions for conditions related to chromosome abnormalities in embryos, which may enhance reproductive outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding centromere dynamics and protein regulation can lead to significant insights into chromosome segregation, indicating a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tower, Catherine — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Tower, Catherine
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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.