Engineering Reconstituted Ovaries with Developmentally Matched In Vitro-derived Germ Cells to Improve Outcomes of In Vitro Oogenesis
NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
About This Grant
Project summary Infertility affects approximately 15% of the global population, and current assisted reproductive technologies fail to address the needs of several populations, including individuals who cannot produce viable gametes and same-sex couples seeking biologically related children. In vitro gametogenesis (IVG), and specifically, producing egg cells (oocytes) from stem cells, offers a promising solution for these underserved groups. The reconstituted ovary (rOvary) system, currently only possible in mice, combines embryonic day (E) 12.5 ovarian somatic cells with developmentally younger E9.5 stem cell-derived primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs). However, only 1-3% of PGCLC-derived oocytes achieve developmental competence, presenting a significant barrier to clinical translation. This developmental mismatch between PGCLCs and their somatic environment may contribute to this low efficiency. My preliminary data shows that E12.5 primordial germ cells (PGCs), which comprise 5% of germ cells in the rOvary, achieve key developmental milestones more effectively than PGCLCs. Specifically, PGCs complete meiotic prophase I earlier, establish timely interactions with supporting granulosa cells and produce significantly larger oocytes and follicles than PGCLCs. To address these limitations, I will: 1) Compare the progression of PGCs and PGCLCs through meiotic prophase I using immunofluorescence and single-cell RNA sequencing; 2) Assess oocyte-granulosa cell communication during follicle formation through protein expression dynamics and transcriptional profiling; and 3) Implement an established protocol using retinoic acid and BMP2 to mature PGCLCs to an E12.5-like state before rOvary formation, potentially enhancing their developmental potential and reducing chromosomal asynapsis. This research will be conducted at UCLA under the mentorship of Dr. Amander Clark, a world-renowned expert in stem cell biology and in vitro gametogenesis. Success in this project could significantly improve the efficiency of in vitro oocyte generation, advancing our understanding of germline development and the potential clinical applications of IVG technology. This work represents a crucial step toward expanding reproductive options for individuals facing infertility and broadening access to biological parenthood for currently underserved populations.
Grant Summary
Engineering Reconstituted Ovaries with Developmentally Matched In Vitro-derived Germ Cells to Improve Outcomes of In Vitro Oogenesis is a NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development grant providing up to $43K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2027-06-30 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Up to $43K
2027-06-30
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Engineering Reconstituted Ovaries with Developmentally Matched In Vitro-derived Germ Cells to Improve Outcomes of In Vitro Oogenesis from NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development before the deadline.
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Engineering Reconstituted Ovaries with Developmentally Matched In Vitro-derived Germ Cells to Improve Outcomes of In Vitro Oogenesis: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Engineering Reconstituted Ovaries with Developmentally Matched In Vitro-derived Germ Cells to Improve Outcomes of In Vitro Oogenesis?
Engineering Reconstituted Ovaries with Developmentally Matched In Vitro-derived Germ Cells to Improve Outcomes of In Vitro Oogenesis is offered by NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Engineering Reconstituted Ovaries with Developmentally Matched In Vitro-derived Germ Cells to Improve Outcomes of In Vitro Oogenesis provide?
Engineering Reconstituted Ovaries with Developmentally Matched In Vitro-derived Germ Cells to Improve Outcomes of In Vitro Oogenesis provides up to $43K per award from NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Engineering Reconstituted Ovaries with Developmentally Matched In Vitro-derived Germ Cells to Improve Outcomes of In Vitro Oogenesis deadline?
Applications for Engineering Reconstituted Ovaries with Developmentally Matched In Vitro-derived Germ Cells to Improve Outcomes of In Vitro Oogenesis are due 2027-06-30 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Engineering Reconstituted Ovaries with Developmentally Matched In Vitro-derived Germ Cells to Improve Outcomes of In Vitro Oogenesis?
To apply for Engineering Reconstituted Ovaries with Developmentally Matched In Vitro-derived Germ Cells to Improve Outcomes of In Vitro Oogenesis, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.