How pachytene piRNAs are made in sperm-forming cells
Genetic and biochemical dissection of mammalian pachytene piRNA biogenesis.
Researchers will learn how small RNAs called pachytene piRNAs are produced in sperm-forming cells to better understand certain causes of male infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257666 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mouse genetics and laboratory biochemistry to map the steps that create pachytene piRNAs in developing sperm cells. The team will study sequence motifs that guide PIWI proteins, examine how the mitochondrial surface processes long piRNA precursors, and follow how mature PIWI/piRNA complexes leave the processing site to act in the cell. Researchers will combine genetically modified mice with molecular and biochemical experiments to identify key proteins and mechanisms. The goal is to connect these basic molecular steps to spermatogenic failure seen in some cases of human male infertility.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with unexplained spermatogenic failure or idiopathic low sperm counts would be the most relevant patient group for translation of these findings.
Not a fit: People with infertility due to female reproductive tract problems, known structural issues, or who need immediate fertility treatment may not directly benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biological causes of some forms of male infertility and point toward new diagnostic markers or future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies in mice and some human genetic reports link defects in the piRNA pathway to male infertility, but the detailed mechanisms of pachytene piRNA production remain largely novel and are still being defined.
Where this research is happening
East Lansing, United States
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Chen — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Chen
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.