How sperm-producing stem cells are controlled by epigenetics
Epigenetic control of spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal
This project looks at how an epigenetic protein called DOT1L helps sperm-making stem cells keep renewing, with the goal of informing treatments for men with low or absent sperm production.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11319011 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will work mostly in animal models and cell cultures to learn how DOT1L, an epigenetic enzyme, affects the balance between self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells that make sperm. They will use genetic tools and chemical inhibitors of DOT1L, together with genomic assays such as ATAC-seq, to identify the genes and pathways changed when DOT1L activity is altered. Functional approaches like in vitro stem cell cultures and transplantation experiments will test whether changes rescue or impair sperm-producing capacity. The aim is to find molecular targets that could later be developed into therapies to restore sperm production in men.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with problems producing sperm (non-obstructive azoospermia or unexplained low sperm counts) would be the most relevant group for future treatments or clinical studies arising from this work.
Not a fit: This research is unlikely to help people whose infertility is caused by blocked sperm ducts, partner-related infertility, or conditions that destroy all sperm-producing cells permanently.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to restore or improve sperm production and help some men with infertility father children.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have identified genes that control spermatogonial stem cells and enabled experimental stem-cell transplantation in animals, but targeting DOT1L and similar epigenetic regulators is a more recent and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Peijing Jeremy — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Wang, Peijing Jeremy
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.