Hormones that help the testis support sperm-making cells
Official title: Hormonal Regulation Sertoli Cell Maturation
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-11324314 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how hormone signals and interactions with developing sperm help the testis support cells (Sertoli cells) mature, which could inform treatments for some male infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 1977 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $425,287 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD010808-47 |
| Project ID | NIH-11324314 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men with infertility due to problems in sperm production or suspected defects in Sertoli–germ cell interactions could be the eventual candidates for therapies informed by this work.
✕Less likely to help
People whose infertility is caused by unrelated hormonal conditions, obstructive issues, or those seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic science project right now.
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers will examine how Sertoli cells—the cells that nourish developing sperm—change their gene activity in response to nearby spermatogonia. They will use mouse models and molecular tools to measure pulses of retinoic acid and hundreds of related transcripts that control functions like junction formation and sperm release. The team will compare testes with and without germ cells to see how Sertoli–germ cell communication drives normal sperm production. Findings will be used to identify key signals that might be targeted in future therapies for men with problems making sperm.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to restore or improve sperm production in men with certain forms of infertility.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies have shown retinoic acid pulses control spermatogonial differentiation, but moving from these findings to human treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Griswold, Michael D — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Griswold, Michael D
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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.