KCTD-13's role in shaping male genital development
Official title: The Role of KCTD-13 in genitourinary development.
Funded at Nemours Children's Hospital, Orlando · NIH-11427500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring how a specific gene, KCTD13, influences the development of male reproductive organs and conditions like hypospadias and undescended testicles.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nemours Children's Hospital, Orlando NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orlando, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $545,468 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK148572-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11427500 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include patients and families affected by proximal hypospadias or undescended testes who may benefit from future translational advances and potential clinical trials.
✕Less likely to help
Current patients without access to future therapeutics or those not connected to male genital development research may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at why many boys are born with hypospadias or undescended testes and how these issues may share a common molecular cause. It uses mouse models with the Kctd13 gene turned off to mirror human conditions and to understand how this gene affects key factors like AR and SOX9 that drive male genital development. The team will examine how changes in Kctd13 impact protein regulation and cellular signaling during development, with the goal of identifying potential ways to prevent or treat these conditions. Outcomes could inform future therapies aimed at improving genital formation and reducing surgical and psychological burdens.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new strategies to prevent or treat hypospadias and undescended testes, improving fertility and reducing complications.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical models with Kctd13 have reproduced relevant features of human conditions, supporting potential progress.
Where this research is happening
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Nemours Children's Hospital, Orlando
Orlando, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seth, Abhishek — Nemours Children's Hospital, Orlando
- Study coordinator: Seth, Abhishek
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.