Understanding the genes involved in fertilization and egg activation
Official title: Role of PGM-3 and SPE-56 in fertilization and egg activation
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10948976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the genes that help eggs get fertilized and start developing, using tiny worms that are similar to humans, to find new ways to help people struggling with infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $133,207 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HD115785-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are couples experiencing unexplained infertility, particularly those with normal sperm and egg morphology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing infertility or have known genetic causes of infertility may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors that play a crucial role in fertilization and egg activation, particularly focusing on the egg side of the process. Using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, which shares genetic similarities with mammals, the study aims to identify and characterize genes involved in egg binding, fusion, and activation. By employing advanced genetic techniques, the research seeks to uncover molecular mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for infertility. This work is essential for improving our understanding of reproductive biology and developing potential therapeutic interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for infertility, benefiting couples struggling to conceive.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using genetic approaches to understand reproductive mechanisms, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maniates, Katherine Ann — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Maniates, Katherine Ann
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Causes and consequences of intra-genomic coevolution
Scientists are studying how repetitive DNA in human cells interacts with proteins to impact genome health, fertility, and cellular functions.
-
How BRAF changes spark serrated colon cancer, from stem cells
This project studies how a BRAF mutation affects colon stem cells to understand what triggers serrated colon cancer.
-
Understanding how copper affects staph bacteria to fight infections
Scientists are studying how copper ions change the proteins inside Staphylococcus aureus to find new ways to treat resistant infections.
-
Sensory guidance of how diet affects healthy aging
Researchers will study how the way we experience food and our senses influence aging, using fruit-fly models to mirror human dietary choices.
-
Non-Invasive AI-Enhanced Neonatal Blood Pressure Monitoring in NICUs
A new AI-powered system uses the baby’s existing sensors to continuously track blood pressure in the NICU without invasive procedures, helping clinicians spot problems early.
-
How the brain drives overeating and weight loss with GLP-1 medications
Scientists are studying how brain circuits that control food seeking respond to obesity and weight loss with a GLP-1 drug, to understand why weight loss often doesn’t hold.
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.