NIH-funded research R03 grant

Investigating the composition of sperm structures in cattle

Official title: Sperm striated columns composition

Funded at University of Toledo · NIH-11038197 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at special parts of cow sperm that help it swim and could affect how well it fertilizes eggs, which might give us important clues about reproduction and early embryo development.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Toledo
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Toledo, United States)
Project startNovember 7, 2024
Project endOctober 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$152,834
NIH project number1R03HD114845-01A1
Project IDNIH-11038197 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are cattle breeders and veterinarians interested in improving fertility rates in bovine species.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not own or work with cattle or are not involved in bovine reproduction may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the unique structures found in bovine sperm, specifically the striated columns that connect the sperm head to the tail. By examining these structures, the study aims to uncover their roles in sperm movement and their potential impact on fertilization. The research utilizes advanced techniques like confocal microscopy to analyze the cellular components involved. This could provide insights into how these structures function during reproduction and their importance in the early stages of embryo development.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of fertility in cattle, potentially leading to improved reproductive outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While this research explores a novel aspect of sperm biology, similar studies in other species have shown promising results in understanding reproductive mechanisms.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Toledo
    Toledo, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Avidor-Reiss, Tomer — University of Toledo
  • Study coordinator: Avidor-Reiss, Tomer

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.