How temperature affects fertility in nematodes
Official title: Temperature-sensitive germline structures and temperature thresholds of fertility in Caenorhabditis nematodes
Funded at Marquette University · NIH-10875984 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how high temperatures affect the ability of tiny worms called nematodes to reproduce, helping us understand which parts of their reproductive system might struggle in the heat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marquette University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $458,050 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM154234-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875984 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the biological mechanisms of fertility, particularly those affected by environmental factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fertility issues unrelated to temperature or those not interested in the biological aspects of fertility may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how elevated temperatures impact fertility in Caenorhabditis nematodes, a model organism for studying reproductive biology. The study focuses on specific germline structures that may fail under temperature stress, potentially leading to infertility. By comparing different species of nematodes with varying thermal limits, researchers aim to identify the critical structures involved in this temperature-sensitive fertility loss. The approach includes examining the synaptonemal complex and germ granules, which are essential for fertility and may exhibit temperature-dependent failures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of fertility mechanisms and inform strategies to mitigate fertility issues related to temperature stress.
How similar studies have gone: While this research explores a novel approach in nematodes, similar studies in other species have shown that temperature can significantly impact fertility, suggesting potential relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
Marquette University
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petrella, Lisa Nicole — Marquette University
- Study coordinator: Petrella, Lisa Nicole
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how some Amish communities maintain high birth rates in modern times
A project will build a large, time-sensitive dataset to understand why Amish families keep having many children, even as broader society has much lower birth rates.
-
Fighting fibroids with single-cell data to find new drugs
A study uses patient fibroid and normal tissue cells to find existing drugs that could be repurposed to treat fibroids, with tests in human cells and a mouse model.
-
Pesticide exposure and fertility health as people move from adolescence to adulthood
This long-term study follows people in Ecuador to see how pesticide exposure over the years relates to fertility and hormones as they become young adults.
-
CatSper and calcium signaling in sperm fertility
A study at Yale investigates how a sperm channel called CatSper helps calcium signaling to drive sperm movement and fertility in mammals.
-
How everyday cosmetic chemicals may affect women's fertility
This project looks at whether chemicals from cosmetics appear in blood and ovarian fluid and link to fertility in women trying to have children.
-
Chibby proteins' role in sperm development and male fertility
This project looks at how Chibby family proteins help sperm form and whether problems with these proteins contribute to male infertility.
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.