CatSper and calcium signaling in sperm fertility
Official title: CatSper regulation of sperm physiology and fertility
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11537879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Yale investigates how a sperm channel called CatSper helps calcium signaling to drive sperm movement and fertility in mammals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2019 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $152,150 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HD096745-08S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11537879 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with male-factor infertility or patients participating in fertility studies where sperm calcium signaling or CatSper function is relevant.
✕Less likely to help
People without interest in fertility research or those not affected by CatSper-related issues may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how CatSper channels assemble and interact with other signaling pathways to control sperm motility and fertilization. It uses advanced imaging, proteomics, and mouse models to map the channel’s structure, trafficking, and function in 3D. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to clarify how calcium balance in sperm enables successful fertilization in humans and other mammals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal targets for treating certain types of male infertility and inform the development of new fertility diagnostics or therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has advanced understanding of CatSper’s role in sperm motility, with ongoing progress in proteomics and imaging; this renewal builds on that foundation.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chung, Jean-Ju Lucia — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Chung, Jean-Ju Lucia
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.