When and how cells commit to making eggs or sperm
Timing and regulation of meiotic commitment
['FUNDING_R01'] · DARTMOUTH COLLEGE · NIH-11308204
Researchers are looking at how cells decide to start and finish the special cell division that makes eggs and sperm to better understand causes of miscarriage and chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DARTMOUTH COLLEGE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HANOVER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11308204 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses baker's yeast as a model to study the steps cells take when they enter meiosis, the division that makes eggs and sperm. Scientists will use new lab tools to watch how chromosomes attach to the cell's division machinery, how incorrect attachments get fixed, and how the cell pauses division when problems are detected. The work focuses on events unique to the first and second meiotic divisions but aims to reveal mechanisms that are shared with human reproduction. Although experiments are done in yeast, the team expects the basic findings to help explain why chromosome segregation errors happen in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by recurrent miscarriage, infertility linked to chromosomal errors, or families impacted by trisomy conditions may be most interested in how these findings could translate to future tests or treatments.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate treatment for a current pregnancy or those with non-reproductive conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal why chromosomes sometimes separate incorrectly during egg formation, which may eventually lead to ways to reduce miscarriages and chromosomal disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using yeast and other model systems have successfully uncovered conserved mechanisms of chromosome segregation, so this is a well-established approach though the specific questions here are novel.
Where this research is happening
HANOVER, UNITED STATES
- DARTMOUTH COLLEGE — HANOVER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LACEFIELD, SONI — DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
- Study coordinator: LACEFIELD, SONI
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.