MLL4’s role in sperm development and fertility
Official title: Mll4 as an epigenetic regulator in mammalian spermatogenesis
Funded at Marshall University · NIH-11421737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in mice looks at how the MLL4 gene controls the epigenetic switches that help sperm cells develop, aiming to understand factors that affect male fertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marshall University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Huntington, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $147,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R16GM166172-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11421737 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with male-factor infertility or individuals interested in fertility genetics to understand how epigenetic regulators like MLL4 influence sperm development.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without fertility concerns or involvement in reproductive biology may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project investigates how MLL4, an epigenetic regulator, influences the development of male germ cells and sperm production. By using a mouse model where MLL4 is selectively removed from postnatal male germ cells, the team will examine changes in testis size, sperm count, sperm shape, and fertility. The research focuses on how histone H3K4 methylation, driven by MLL4, guides gene activity during spermatogenesis. The findings could reveal key mechanisms that ensure normal sperm development and identify potential targets for addressing certain infertility conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve understanding of male fertility and inform future therapies or diagnostics for infertility related to epigenetic regulation in sperm.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data in mice show MLL4’s essential role in spermatogenesis, supporting the potential for meaningful insights in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Marshall University
Huntington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Guo-Zhang — Marshall University
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Guo-Zhang
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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.