How cilia transport proteins help sperm develop
Intraflagellar transport (IFT) and sperm formation
Researchers are looking at how a tiny internal transport system in sperm helps them form and move, to better understand some causes of male infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11284057 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using genetically modified mice that lack specific intraflagellar transport (IFT) proteins only in developing sperm to see how those changes affect sperm shape and movement. They will examine sperm structure under the microscope and measure related proteins, including AKAP4 and its processing, to track where the process goes wrong. The team will also study protein partners such as DCTN4 and SPPL2a to map the molecular steps needed to build the sperm fibrous sheath. Results aim to link specific molecular defects to sperm immotility and structural problems that can cause infertility.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with unexplained infertility or sperm that are immobile or show structural defects are the group most likely to benefit from findings of this research.
Not a fit: People whose infertility is due to non-sperm causes (for example, female-factor infertility or hormonal issues) are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular causes of some forms of male infertility and point to new diagnostic markers or targets for future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior mouse studies disrupting IFT genes have already produced immotile sperm with structural defects, so this work builds on existing animal findings while probing new molecular partners.
Where this research is happening
Detroit, United States
- Wayne State University — Detroit, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Zhibing — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Zhibing
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.