Understanding the role of female-expressed proteins in reproduction
Official title: The function and evolution of female-expressed seminal fluid proteins
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10950074 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special proteins made by female fruit flies during mating to see how they help with reproduction and work together with male proteins, which could give us new insights into how male and female roles have evolved in reproduction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career 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 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $124,913 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HD115833-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950074 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in reproductive biology, particularly those studying or working with species that exhibit internal fertilization.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in reproductive biology or do not have a vested interest in the evolutionary aspects of reproduction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) that are expressed by female organisms during mating. It aims to explore how these proteins function and evolve, particularly in the context of their influence on female reproductive processes. By using advanced techniques like single-nucleus RNA sequencing on the reproductive tract of fruit flies, the study seeks to uncover the contributions of female-expressed SFPs and how they interact with male proteins. This could lead to a deeper understanding of reproductive biology and the evolutionary dynamics between male and female contributions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of reproductive health and fertility, potentially leading to new insights in animal breeding and conservation efforts.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding the roles of seminal fluid proteins in various species, indicating that this approach has a foundation in established scientific inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thayer, Rachel C — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Thayer, Rachel C
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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.