The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) announced it has secured a $470,000 grant to study the way chromosomes pair before egg cells are formed. The research, led by senior scientist Roberto Pezza, seeks to deepen knowledge of infertility and hereditary conditions that are becoming more common as families choose to have children later.
Why chromosome pairing matters
Humans carry 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs, each pair contributed by one parent. For healthy reproduction, these chromosomes must correctly align and separate during the formation of gametes – the sperm and egg cells that combine to create a new life. Pezza explained, “Humans have 46 chromosomes — 23 pairs — and we receive each pair from one woman, one man. So, it’s necessary that these chromosomes come together to separate properly.”
From male to female reproductive cells
Pezza’s laboratory previously identified a chromosome‑pairing process in male reproductive cells. The new grant will allow the team to apply the same observational methods to female reproductive cells, a critical step toward a complete picture of how gametes are formed.
Addressing a growing infertility epidemic
As more people postpone parenthood, infertility rates are rising, and so are certain hereditary disorders such as Down syndrome. “As families have kids later in life, we are having basically epidemics of people with infertility, and the number of hereditary diseases like Down syndrome is also increasing,” Pezza said. Understanding the basic mechanisms of chromosome pairing could help clinicians develop better diagnostics and treatments.
Potential benefits for fertility clinics
The research could give fertility clinics new tools to select the healthiest cells for assisted reproductive technologies. Pezza noted, “Hopefully, we will be helpful in society to reduce infertility, or maybe just to help fertility clinics select what cells can be used for assisted fertility.”
Improving cryopreservation of gametes
Freezing sperm and eggs has become a popular option for those who wish to delay childbearing. Yet, the science of how best to freeze and later thaw these cells remains imperfect. Pezza emphasized, “Many people decide now, because they have families later in life, to freeze sperm — and now both sides. So, how they are frozen, or if we stop certain processes, is very important. We don’t know how to do it properly, so this basic knowledge will help us intervene in how to freeze the cells.” Better cryopreservation could increase success rates for future pregnancies.
Broader scientific impact
While the immediate focus is reproductive health, the team believes the findings could have translational value for other fields, including neuroscience, disease treatment, and even cancer research. “The basic science matters. It’s like knowing your car. You take it to the shop to repair it, but if the guy at the shop doesn’t know how the car works, he won’t know how to repair it. That’s what we’re trying to do,” Pezza said.
Community relevance
Oklahoma’s growing biotech sector stands to benefit from cutting‑edge research conducted within the state. By advancing knowledge of infertility—a concern for many Oklahoma families—the project aligns with the community’s desire for stronger health outcomes and supports the state’s reputation as a hub for scientific innovation.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
