How fathers' arsenic exposure changes sperm and may affect their children
RNA modifications by paternal exposure to arsenic and intergenerational effects on sperm quality
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS · NIH-11305973
This project tests whether fathers' exposure to low-level arsenic during early life or adolescence changes chemical tags on sperm and could affect their children's reproductive health.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LITTLE ROCK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11305973 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you're a man exposed to arsenic, this work models exposure during adolescence or early life to see what happens to sperm and to future children. Scientists will use exposure levels similar to contaminated water and examine sperm quality and chemical modifications on small RNAs, focusing on pseudouridine (Ψ) and 5'-methylcytosine (m5C). They will follow offspring of exposed males in generational experiments to see whether sperm changes are inherited and linked to poorer reproductive outcomes. The project combines molecular testing of sperm with breeding experiments to identify sensitive windows and the mechanisms of transmission.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men of reproductive age who live in areas with possible arsenic exposure (for example from contaminated well water, hazardous waste sites, or certain geographic regions) or men planning to father children would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without arsenic exposure, women not focused on paternal risk, or anyone seeking immediate clinical infertility treatment may not benefit directly from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify sperm-based markers of arsenic harm that help predict reproductive risk, guide prevention, and inform fertility counseling for exposed families.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies showed that very high prenatal arsenic harmed sperm across generations and that sperm small-RNA modifications can carry diet-induced effects, but applying these RNA-modification mechanisms to environmentally relevant arsenic exposure is novel.
Where this research is happening
LITTLE ROCK, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS — LITTLE ROCK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HO, SHUK-MEI — UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS
- Study coordinator: HO, SHUK-MEI
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.