“Defining the role of RBBP4 in transcriptional regulation during mammalian oogenesis”
Wei Cui, UMass Extension associate professor in the College of Natural Sciences’ Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences and director of animal models for the Institute of Applied Life Sciences, addresses factors that affect oocyte quality. In this study, Cui will explore a new direction in the lab by applying an oocyte-specific conditional knockout (OcKO) approach, instead of the conventional mRNA knockdown in wildtype oocytes, to investigate the role of retinoblastoma binding protein 4 (RBBP4) in transcriptional regulation during oocyte development. The project’s findings will offer insights into oocyte development and female reproductive health.
The Office of Research Development (ORD) has announced eight projects led by UMass Amherst researchers have received Faculty Research/Healey Endowment Grants (FRG) for 2025. Administered by ORD under the vice chancellor for research and engagement, the FRG program promotes research and scholarly and creative activities in all disciplines and fields across the university campus. Additionally, the grant program supports projects with high potential for future publication and funding from outside of the university, or recognition of excellence.