Understanding the Ovarian Reserve
Regulating Establishment of the Mammalian Ovarian Reserve
This research explores how the body creates and maintains a healthy supply of eggs, which is important for understanding infertility and early menopause.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171515 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Approximately 12% of couples experience infertility, and 1% of women worldwide face primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), a condition where the egg supply runs out too soon, leading to premature menopause and infertility. While some genes are linked to POI, the cause remains unknown in about 90% of cases. This project uses mouse models to uncover the basic developmental and molecular processes that establish and maintain the ovarian reserve. By understanding these fundamental mechanisms, we hope to improve how we understand, diagnose, and treat POI in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients experiencing infertility or premature menopause due to primary ovarian insufficiency.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of the causes of primary ovarian insufficiency and infertility, paving the way for new diagnostic tools and treatments.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon the researchers' prior discovery and characterization of a protein called TAF4b, which is essential for establishing a healthy ovarian follicle reserve in mice.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freiman, Richard Neil — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Freiman, Richard Neil
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 below.