Jean-Ju Chung​,
Associate Professor
$150,000 / 2 years
Awarded 2021

Jean-Ju Chung, PhD

Yale University
New Haven, CT

About
Dr. Jean-Ju Chung is an Associate Professor at Yale University, and is an expert in membrane ion channels, specifically the sperm-specific contraceptive target, CatSper. Her work helps to define the subunits of CatSper, its function in capacitation, and effects on fertility, all with the goal of understanding the role of CatSper as a potential contraceptive target.

Our Grant
MCI is supporting Dr. Chung’s work in developing a screening platform that allows the identification of small molecule inhibitors of CatSper. One of the most elusive contraceptive targets, the complexity of CatSper has been a limiting factor in developing contraceptives that target the protein. Dr. Chung’s work mitigates this complexity and is the first step towards developing drugs that can target the infamous CatSper.

MCI Grantee & Fellow Conversations: Jean-Ju Chung, PhD

MCI Grantee: Yale University (Dr. Jean-Ju Chung)

Publications
3D structure and in situ arrangements of CatSper channel in the sperm flagellum
Yanhe Zhao, Huafeng Wang, Caroline Wiesehoefer, Naman B. Shah, Evan Reetz, Jae Yeon Hwang, Xiaofang Huang, Tse-en Wang, Polina V. Lishko, Karen M. Davies, Gunther Wennemuth, Daniela Nicastro & Jean-Ju Chung