How sperm stem cells use RNA to make healthy sperm
Post-transcriptional regulation of stem and progenitor cell function
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR · NIH-11261605
Researchers will learn how RNA-based controls in sperm stem cells help produce healthy sperm using mice as a model.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11261605 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are using mouse models to study how spermatogonial stem cells and their early progenitors control sperm production. They will apply single-cell methods and stage-specific approaches to track RNA changes from splicing through translation. The work focuses on retinoic acid signaling and the RNA-binding protein DAZL to see how these factors drive progenitors to commit to becoming sperm. Findings are intended to reveal the post-transcriptional programs that support normal sperm formation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with problems making sperm (for example, non-obstructive azoospermia or unexplained low sperm counts) would be most likely to benefit from or qualify for future related studies.
Not a fit: People with infertility due to physical blockage of the reproductive tract, female-only infertility causes, or unrelated medical issues are unlikely to see direct benefits from this mouse-focused basic research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could eventually lead to new diagnostics or treatments for some forms of male infertility by revealing how sperm production is controlled at the RNA level.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal research supports roles for retinoic acid and DAZL in spermatogonial development, but combining single-cell and translational analyses to map post-transcriptional control is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES
- CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR — CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MIKEDIS, MARIA — CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR
- Study coordinator: MIKEDIS, MARIA
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.
Conditions: Cancers