How a father's diet affects future generations through sperm
Sperm tsRNAs/rsRNAs and their RNA modifications in diet-induced epigenetic inheritance
['FUNDING_R01'] · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · NIH-11172630
This project explores how a father's diet can pass on traits to his children and grandchildren through changes in sperm.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11172630 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are learning that certain traits acquired by fathers, such as those from an unhealthy diet, can be passed down to their children without changing the DNA itself. Our work focuses on understanding how these diet-related factors are stored in small RNA molecules within sperm. We are using new, advanced tools to uncover specific changes in these sperm RNAs when a father consumes a high-fat diet. The goal is to discover how these changes in sperm RNA might influence the health and development of future offspring.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is relevant to adult men, particularly those interested in how their lifestyle choices, like diet, might impact the health of their future children.
Not a fit: Individuals not interested in the intergenerational effects of paternal diet on offspring health may not directly benefit from this basic science work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding how a father's diet influences the health of his children and grandchildren could lead to new ways to prevent inherited health problems.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous discoveries of small RNAs in sperm and introduces novel tools to further advance our understanding of epigenetic inheritance.
Where this research is happening
SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES
- UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH — SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHEN, QI — UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- Study coordinator: CHEN, QI
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 below.