Investigating the role of retinoic acid in the initiation of meiosis

Challenging the role of retinoic acid in meiotic initiation

NIH-funded research East Carolina University · NIH-10577875

This study is looking at how a substance called retinoic acid helps the process that turns certain cells in the testis into sperm cells, which is important for male fertility, using special mice to learn more about this process.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEast Carolina University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Greenville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10577875 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how retinoic acid influences the transition from mitotic spermatogonia to meiotic cells in the testis, which is crucial for male fertility. The researchers will use a novel transgenic mouse model to isolate germ cells and analyze gene expression changes during meiotic initiation. By examining the necessity of retinoic acid in this process, the study aims to clarify its role and identify other potential factors involved in meiosis. This could lead to new insights into male reproductive biology and fertility.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include males experiencing infertility or related reproductive issues.

Not a fit: Patients who are not male or those who do not have fertility concerns may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of male fertility and potentially lead to new treatments for infertility.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of retinoic acid in meiosis has been suggested, this research represents a novel approach to understanding its specific functions, as previous studies have not thoroughly examined this aspect.

Where this research is happening

Greenville, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.