Understanding small RNAs in male reproductive development of maize
Official title: The biogenesis and functions of pre-meiotic small RNAs in male reproductive development in maize
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10930158 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny molecules in corn plants that help with making pollen and male fertility, using special techniques to understand how they work during the plant's growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $642,737 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM151302-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930158 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be agricultural scientists, plant biologists, or farmers interested in maize reproduction and crop improvement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in agricultural sciences or do not work with maize or similar crops may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of small RNAs in the male reproductive organs of maize, specifically focusing on pre-meiotic and meiotic small interfering RNAs. The study aims to uncover how these small RNAs contribute to the development of pollen grains and male fertility in plants. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR, researchers will explore the biogenesis pathways of these RNAs and their functions during reproductive development. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms that regulate male fertility in flowering plants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of plant fertility, potentially leading to improved crop yields and agricultural practices.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding small RNA functions in plant reproduction, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meyers, Blake C — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Meyers, Blake C
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.