How a sperm protein controls ion balance and movement
Mechanisms of voltage regulation of membrane transport
This work is testing whether a sperm protein that senses electrical signals and cellular messengers helps sperm move, which could matter for people with male infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11289326 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, scientists are studying a unique sperm protein called SLC9C1 that links sodium-proton exchange, voltage sensing, and cyclic nucleotide response. In the lab they will combine biochemical and structural experiments with cell and animal models and may use human sperm samples to see how voltage and signaling molecules change the protein's activity. The team will look at how these effects influence sperm motility and how mutations could lead to fertility problems or related disorders. Results aim to explain basic mechanisms that could point to new tests or treatments down the road.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be men with unexplained infertility, especially those with low sperm motility, who are willing to donate sperm samples for research.
Not a fit: People whose infertility is due to female factors or to conditions unrelated to sperm function are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve understanding of some causes of male infertility and guide development of new diagnostics or therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal studies show SLC9C1 influences sperm motility, but the detailed way voltage and signaling control its structure and transport is largely new and untested.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chowdhury, Sandipan — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Chowdhury, Sandipan
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.