Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( 🔒 ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Need Help

Engineering Reconstituted Ovaries with Developmentally Matched In Vitro-derived Germ Cells to Improve Outcomes of In Vitro Oogenesis

Award Number: F31HD120040
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2027

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Engineering Reconstituted Ovaries with Developmentally Matched In Vitro-derived Germ Cells to Improve Outcomes of In Vitro Oogenesis - 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.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $43,058 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES	10889 WILSHIRE BLVD STE 700	LOS ANGELES	CA	90024	LOS ANGELES	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	1	5/21/2026	NEW	$43,058
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES	10889 WILSHIRE BLVD STE 700	LOS ANGELES	CA	90024	LOS ANGELES	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	001	1	5/21/2026	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $43,058

Grand Total All Awards = $43,058

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Engineering Reconstituted Ovaries with Developmentally Matched In Vitro-derived Germ Cells to Improve Outcomes of In Vitro Oogenesis

Award Number: F31HD120040

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2027

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer