Investigating how genes affect male fertility using advanced genetic techniques
Official title: Spatially Resolved CRISPR Genomics for Dissecting Testicular Gene Functions at Scale
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10828356 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into the genes that might cause infertility in men, using advanced tools to better understand how these genes affect sperm production, with the hope of finding new ways to diagnose and treat this common issue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $205,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD110878-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10828356 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men experiencing infertility or difficulties conceiving, particularly those with suspected genetic causes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing infertility or have other non-genetic causes of fertility issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the genetic factors that contribute to male infertility, a condition that affects many men and can have various underlying causes. By utilizing innovative technologies like CRISPR and single-cell RNA sequencing, the researchers aim to analyze the functions of genes involved in sperm production at a larger scale. This approach seeks to create a more efficient way to identify specific genetic issues that may lead to infertility, potentially leading to better diagnostic and treatment options for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for male infertility, helping many couples achieve their family planning goals.
How similar studies have gone: Other research using CRISPR and advanced genomic techniques has shown promise in understanding genetic disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into male infertility.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Haiqi — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Chen, Haiqi
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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.