Project Grant 20266701545727

Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Tennessee's UT AG Research Division received a $650,000 Project Grant from the Institute of Food Production and Sustainability under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI, CFDA 10.310) beginning February 1, 2026, with completion targeted for January 31, 2030. This research initiative addresses the critical challenge of low survival rates in in vitro produced (IVP) cattle embryos, which currently exceed 50% failure during the first month of pregnancy. The project will investigate the role of two naturally occurring proteins—galectin-1 (LGALS1) and galectin-3 (LGALS3)—in supporting healthy pregnancies by modulating uterine immune processes and enhancing cell attachment between embryonic and uterine tissues.

The research deliverables encompass three integrated objectives designed to establish the functional mechanisms by which galectins support pregnancy viability in cattle. The first objective supplements galectin-1 to recipient cattle and evaluates embryonic and uterine health outcomes at day 28 of pregnancy. The second objective conducts controlled laboratory testing to confirm whether galectins increase cellular attachment between embryonic and uterine tissues. The third objective employs genetic inhibition techniques to disable embryonic galectin production, establishing the necessity of these proteins for successful pregnancy maintenance. Upon completion, this research is expected to provide a scientific foundation for galectin-based interventions at the farm level, thereby improving IVP embryo survival rates and advancing U.S. cattle herd genetics for enhanced meat and dairy production.