Decoding the sperm RNA code and its link to obesity and fertility
Official title: Decoding the sperm aging 'RNA code' and its association with obesity and subfertility
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11320292 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how the tiny RNAs in sperm change with aging and obesity, and what that could mean for a child’s health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $642,008 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD118682-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11320292 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include men providing sperm samples across ages, BMI ranges, and fertility statuses, including those considering bariatric surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Participants without access to future translational studies or interventions may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a cutting-edge sequencing method called PANDORA-seq to examine small RNAs in human and mouse sperm. By analyzing longitudinal samples from the same men over more than a decade and comparing groups by age, BMI, and fertility, it aims to map a sperm RNA signature linked to aging and obesity. The study will also look at samples from individuals before and after bariatric surgery to see if weight loss alters the sperm RNA code. Findings could reveal how paternal factors influence offspring health and development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve understanding of how a father's age and obesity affect a child's health and guide future interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data in both mouse and human sperm suggest conserved aging-related RNA signatures, indicating this area is promising but still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hotaling, James — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Hotaling, James
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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.