Creating a new mouse model to study sperm development
Official title: Generation of a new Cre-deleter mouse line to study spermiogenesis
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-10818544 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a special type of mouse to help scientists learn more about how sperm develops, especially a stage called round spermatids, and it will look closely at a protein called TDP-43 that might affect male fertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $79,300 |
| NIH project number | 5R03HD109535-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10818544 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult males experiencing infertility or difficulties in conceiving.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing fertility issues or are not of reproductive age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a specialized mouse model that allows scientists to investigate the process of sperm development, specifically focusing on round spermatids. By using a unique genetic approach, the researchers will create a mouse line that can delete specific genes in these cells, which is crucial for understanding male fertility. The study will explore the role of a protein called TDP-43 in sperm formation, which has been previously linked to male fertility issues. This innovative model will enable more precise studies of gene function during the critical stages of sperm maturation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into male infertility and potential therapeutic targets for improving fertility treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully utilized similar genetic models to study fertility, indicating a promising approach for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reddi, Prabhakara P — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Reddi, Prabhakara P
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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.