Chibby proteins' role in sperm development and male fertility
Official title: The Role of Chibby Family Members in Spermatogenesis and Male Fertility
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11472361 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how Chibby family proteins help sperm form and whether problems with these proteins contribute to male infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | May 24, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $44,869 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HD109232-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11472361 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men with unexplained infertility, especially those with abnormal sperm movement or signs of cilia-related disorders, would be the most relevant group.
✕Less likely to help
People whose fertility issues stem from female reproductive factors, hormonal imbalances, or reversible causes like vasectomy are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This work focuses on proteins called Chibby that help build cilia and the sperm's tail (flagellum). Researchers will use lab experiments and mouse models to map where different Chibby proteins sit in sperm and how they interact with other proteins needed for flagella. They will compare normal and genetically altered mice to see how missing or altered Chibby proteins change sperm shape and movement. Biochemical binding studies and cellular imaging will link those findings to human infertility tied to cilia problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal causes of some forms of male infertility and point toward new diagnostic tests or treatment targets.
How similar studies have gone: Previous mouse studies found that losing Chibby1 causes cilia defects and fertility problems, but the role of the testis-specific family member Cby1L is a newer area being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Takemaru, Ken-Ichi — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Takemaru, Ken-Ichi
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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.