How RUNX proteins shape early sperm development
Official title: RUNX proteins define opposing fates in the male germline
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-11321728 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at how RUNX proteins guide the formation and balance of sperm stem cells in boys and men to better understand causes of infertility and related disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $386,655 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD113747-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11321728 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants would be males (or parents of boys) willing to provide reproductive tissue or biological samples, or patients with early-onset or unexplained male infertility who want to contribute to research.
✕Less likely to help
People seeking immediate fertility treatment or those without reproductive concerns are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from this basic laboratory-focused work.
What this research studies
Researchers will use lab models and modern single-cell 'omics methods to map how RUNX family proteins control the steps that create and maintain sperm-forming stem cells before puberty. The team will combine detailed molecular profiling with functional experiments that disrupt RUNX activity to see what goes wrong in self-renewal and differentiation. Findings from animal models and human-derived tissues will be compared to identify shared mechanisms. The goal is to clarify developmental causes that could underlie adult infertility or germline-related cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to diagnose or eventually treat some forms of male infertility and reduce risks tied to early germline defects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous molecular and model-system studies have implicated RUNX proteins in germ cell development, but functional links to human infertility are still emerging and this project builds on recent findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Law, Nathan C. — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Law, Nathan C.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Center for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases in East and Central Africa Plus
A center-led effort to study and respond to emerging infectious diseases in East and Central Africa, with collaboration in the region and Central America.
-
Center for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases in East and Central Africa Plus
A national/international research center works to understand and respond to emerging infectious diseases in East and Central Africa, with implications for global health.
-
Surveillance and preparedness for flu and other respiratory pathogens in Kenya
A US-based research grant aims to improve how Kenya detects and prepares for influenza and other respiratory diseases to protect people there and global health.
-
How pre-existing anti-staphylococcal antibodies and B cells can affect vaccines
A study at Washington State University will explore why antibodies and B cells from prior Staphylococcus aureus exposure may weaken or alter responses to vaccines against SA.
-
Music-based, real-time stress relief to support early alcohol recovery
A new mobile program uses just-in-time music listening to help adults in the first 90 days after detox reduce stress and support recovery from alcohol use disorder.
-
Promoting Indigenous Wellness Through Community-Lent Healing and Knowledge
A Native-serving research program collaborates with Indigenous communities to improve wellbeing and relieve harm from opioids and pain by using local strengths and culturally-led approaches.
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.