Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Michigan received a $1.6M Project Grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859), awarded March 1, 2026, with completion scheduled for February 28, 2030. The research initiative, titled "Reconstructing Evolutionary Arms Races," delivers fundamental biological research investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying competitive interactions between X-linked gene families (SLX and SLXL1) and Y-linked gene families (SLY1 and SLY2) in mice. The research employs both in vitro genomic methodologies—including massively parallel sequencing screens and yeast three-hybrid competition assays—and in vivo transgenic mouse studies to characterize how these competing gene families influence sperm fertilization success.

The project's primary deliverables include mechanistic insights into evolutionary arms races at the protein level, identification of the most competitive allelic variants through saturation mutagenesis and comparative evolutionary analyses, and elucidation of how protein dosage affects molecular competition. The research is designed to expand understanding of how proteins evolve to compete in evolutionary systems and provide new scientific insights into the molecular basis of male infertility, sex ratio distortion, and protein competition mechanics. This fundamental research will advance the scientific foundation for understanding reproductive biology and genetic competition mechanisms supported by NIGMS's core mission to fund basic biomedical research increasing understanding of biological processes relevant to human health and disease.