# Heritable macromolecules in C. elegans germ granules

> **NIH NIH R35** · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $296,181

## Abstract

Project Summary
The germline is dedicated to produce gametes that transmit genetic and epigenetic information to the next
generation. Maintenance of germ cells and development of gametes require germ granules—well-conserved
membraneless and RNA-rich organelles. The composition and function of germ granules remain elusive owing
to their dynamic nature and their exclusive expression in the germline. This project addresses three
fundamental questions. How are germ granules assembled and maintained? How are the epigenetic
regulators, such as small RNAs, amplified in germ granules and passed on to offspring? What is impact of
granules on gene regulatory networks and transgenerational inheritance? This proposal uses C. elegans germ
granules as a model system to define their proteome and RNAome. The goal is to identify protein and RNA
components that are required for germ granule formation, and characterize their role in germline maintenance
and embryogenesis. Furthermore, the genetic and biochemical approaches afforded by C. elegans will be used
to determine the mechanisms that drive the production of small RNAs within germ granules. By characterizing
their constituents, this research program will advance our understanding of mechanisms of germ granule
formation and their function in fertility.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10273435
- **Project number:** 1R35GM142580-01
- **Recipient organization:** OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Wen Tang
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $296,181
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10273435

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10273435, Heritable macromolecules in C. elegans germ granules (1R35GM142580-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10273435. Licensed CC0.

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