Investigating the role of Rok and Cmb in male sperm development
Official title: The role of Rok and its substrate Cmb the male germline
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11144556 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two proteins, Rok and Combover, help fruit flies develop healthy sperm, which could give us important insights into male fertility in other animals, including humans.
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 start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $469,111 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD112533-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144556 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing infertility issues related to sperm development or those interested in male reproductive health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing fertility issues or those with female reproductive health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how Rok and its substrate Combover (Cmb) function in the male germline, particularly in the development of sperm in fruit flies. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which these proteins contribute to spermiogenesis, the process of sperm formation, and how they ensure proper sperm separation and packaging. By examining the interactions between the cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane during sperm development, the research seeks to uncover critical checkpoints that could have implications for understanding male fertility in other species, including mammals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into male fertility and potential treatments for infertility related to sperm development.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of Rok and Cmb in male gametogenesis has not been extensively studied, similar research in other areas of reproductive biology has shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
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.