How sperm prepare for fertilization

Comparative studies on the regulation of metabolism during sperm capacitation

['FUNDING_R01'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-11101366

This research explores how sperm change and get energy to become ready for fertilization, which could help people facing infertility.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11101366 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Sperm need to change and get energy to successfully fertilize an egg, a process called capacitation that happens as they travel through the reproductive tract. This project looks closely at how sperm use different nutrients and regulate their energy pathways to complete these crucial steps. Researchers are also focusing on a key molecule, soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), which plays an essential role in these changes. By understanding these detailed metabolic processes, we hope to uncover new insights into male fertility.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational laboratory research does not directly involve patient participation, but future clinical applications could benefit individuals or couples experiencing male infertility.

Not a fit: Patients not experiencing male infertility or those not seeking assisted reproductive technologies may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand and address male infertility, potentially improving assisted reproductive technologies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has shown how sperm use glucose and other energy sources during capacitation, building a foundation for this deeper investigation.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.