How two proteins help sperm form properly
The role of Rok and its substrate Cmb the male germline
This project looks at how two proteins, Rok and Combover, help developing sperm finish maturing and could be relevant for men with some forms of infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321703 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use fruit flies to learn how the proteins Rok and Combover (Cmb) work during the final steps of sperm formation. They change or remove these genes in flies and watch sperm development with microscopy to see how the cell skeleton and membrane coordinate. The team proposes that Cmb acts at a checkpoint between tail growth and the final separation of sperm cells. By studying these steps in flies, they hope to reveal processes that are similar in mammals and may affect male fertility.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients; it is laboratory research using fruit fly models rather than people.
Not a fit: People whose infertility is caused by hormonal issues, blocked reproductive ducts, or partner-related factors are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic fly research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal causes of certain male infertility problems and suggest new diagnostic markers or future treatment targets.
How similar studies have performed: Rho kinase has been linked to cell movement and other developmental processes and some studies connect ROCK to reproductive cell functions in mammals, but applying these findings to sperm individualization is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jenny, Andreas — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Jenny, Andreas
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.