How male hormones help form the tubes that become the male internal reproductive organs
Mechanisms of androgen-dependent Wolffian duct differentiation
This project looks at how male hormones guide the embryonic development of the internal tubes that become the male reproductive tract, which relates to some causes of male infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11318967 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use genetically modified mice to see how the androgen receptor in supporting tissue controls growth of the Wolffian duct, the embryonic structure that becomes male internal reproductive organs. They compare gene activity and chromatin accessibility using laboratory techniques such as ATAC-seq and RNA analysis to find which signals change in response to male hormones. The team has identified a mesenchymal signal, RSPO3, that appears to activate epithelial WNT signaling needed for proper duct formation and are studying the interaction between mesenchyme and epithelium. Findings are aimed at explaining how disruptions in these signals lead to defective duct development and male infertility.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by congenital malformations of the internal male reproductive tract or men with early-onset unexplained infertility tied to developmental problems could be relevant to the findings of this research.
Not a fit: People whose infertility is caused by later-life issues such as infection, vasectomy, hormonal imbalances unrelated to embryonic duct formation, or female partners will likely not directly benefit from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to specific molecular signals to target for diagnosing or eventually preventing some forms of congenital male infertility.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal-model research has shown androgen signaling is essential for Wolffian duct development, but identifying RSPO3 and its role in mesenchyme-to-epithelium signaling is a newer and more specific finding.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Fei — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Fei
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.