Exploring how male-derived RNAs in semen may affect fertility
Official title: Investigating a novel role of ejaculate RNA in fertility
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11336358 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in fruit flies will look at whether RNAs from male semen influence female reproductive biology and fertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $605,124 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD112461-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11336358 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patient participation in this basic-science project conducted in model organisms.
✕Less likely to help
This study uses fruit flies and does not involve people directly.
What this research studies
This project tests if RNAs present in male ejaculate can alter the female’s reproductive system after mating. researchers will use the Drosophila arizonae and mojavensis system to track how these RNAs are transferred, taken up by female tissues, and whether they change postmating responses. The work builds on prior findings that male RNAs can move into females and may affect reproductive outcomes, using genetic tools to manipulate and observe these processes. If these RNAs have functional roles, this could reveal new factors contributing to fertility beyond sperm proteins.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding novel molecular contributors to fertility could lead to new diagnostic or therapeutic approaches for idiopathic infertility in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work suggests male RNAs can transfer and function in female reproductive tissues, indicating the approach may yield meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Matzkin, Luciano Matias — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Matzkin, Luciano Matias
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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.