Using zinc sparks to predict embryo quality in assisted reproduction
Official title: Harnessing the clinical potential of the zinc spark as an extracellular marker of zygote developmental potential
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11455795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at a tiny zinc signal released by eggs at fertilization to predict which embryos are most likely to grow well in IVF.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $474,443 |
| NIH project number | 1R61HD123440-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11455795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals undergoing assisted reproductive technology who have eggs and embryos that could be analyzed for zinc spark profiling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not using ART or those whose eggs do not yield measurable zinc sparks may not benefit.
What this research studies
Infertility care has improved a lot, but success rates and costs remain a challenge. This study focuses on zinc sparks—tiny outward signals during egg activation—that may reveal which embryos have the best developmental potential. Because zinc sparks can be measured without harming the embryo, doctors may be able to pick the healthiest embryos earlier in IVF. The work combines biochemistry, biomaterials, and reproductive technology to translate a natural signal into a clinical test. If successful, this could lead to quicker, cheaper, and more accurate embryo selection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A non-invasive biomarker could help clinicians choose the best embryos, potentially improving IVF success rates and reducing treatment costs.
How similar studies have gone: Zinc signaling has shown promise as a predictor in early embryo development in preclinical studies, with ongoing exploration in human contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woodruff, Teresa K — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Woodruff, Teresa K
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.