Exploring how male RNA in ejaculate affects female fertility
Official title: Investigating a novel role of ejaculate RNA in fertility
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11128563 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain RNA found in male fruit fly ejaculate might affect female fertility, helping us understand how these molecules can influence the female's reproductive system during mating.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $625,024 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD112461-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128563 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals experiencing unexplained infertility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing fertility issues or have known causes of infertility may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of RNA found in male ejaculate and its impact on female fertility. By studying the transfer of RNA during mating in fruit flies, the researchers aim to understand how these RNA molecules influence the female reproductive response. The project will explore the functional effects of these seminal fluid RNAs, how they operate within the female reproductive tract, and the mechanisms behind their packaging in males. This innovative approach could reveal new factors that contribute to reproductive success.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for infertility in humans.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on ejaculate RNA is novel, previous studies have shown success in understanding the role of seminal fluid components in fertility.
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.