Genetics of Male Infertility: Accelerating Discovery and Clinical Impact
Official title: Genetics of Male Infertility: Accelerating the pace of discovery
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11400046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant aims to uncover the genetic causes of male infertility (azoospermia) to improve diagnosis and pave the way for personalized treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,625,266 |
| NIH project number | 6P50HD096723-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400046 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men with unexplained nonobstructive azoospermia or related infertility, and their partners, who may benefit from genetic diagnostics or future targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Men without azoospermia or infertility caused by non-genetic factors may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
The project brings together international experts to identify genetic variants linked to unexplained nonobstructive azoospermia and to develop diagnostic and therapeutic options. It includes high-throughput lab work to model human infertility in vitro and in mice, along with efforts to standardize how infertility-related genetic variants are reviewed for clinical use. By integrating genetic discovery with clinical implementation, the work seeks to speed up meaningful options for affected men and their families. The initiative also explores how epigenetic factors influence germ cell development, which could reveal new intervention points.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to better genetic tests and personalized treatments for men with infertility.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has identified genetic contributors to infertility; this project combines discovery with translational steps, which is a relatively advanced and ambitious approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Orwig, Kyle Edwin — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Orwig, Kyle Edwin
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This project uses long-read DNA sequencing to find genes and mutations that may cause infertility in men.
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Genetic causes of male infertility and azoospermia
This project aims to find gene changes that cause nonobstructive azoospermia in men to improve diagnosis and guide future treatments.
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This study is looking at how higher rates of genetic changes in men might be linked to infertility and other health problems, and it involves men with varying fertility levels who will provide samples to help us understand these connections better.
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.