Molecular role of PhLP3 in human sperm production
Official title: Molecular and Developmental Mechanisms of Phosducin-like Protein 3 Function in Spermatogenesis
Funded at Loyola University of Chicago · NIH-11361277 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A science team is studying a protein called PhLP3 to understand how it affects human sperm development and male fertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loyola University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $545,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HD122211-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11361277 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adult men experiencing infertility or couples affected by male-factor infertility may benefit from future applications of these findings.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without fertility concerns are unlikely to directly benefit from this basic science study.
What this research studies
This project focuses on PhLP3, a protein that appears to regulate the cell skeleton in sperm cells. By studying PhLP3 in humans and model organisms, researchers aim to uncover how cytoskeletal changes drive maturation of sperm. The work combines genetic, biochemical, and cellular approaches to clarify PhLP3’s role in spermatogenesis and its impact on fertility. Findings could lead to new ideas for diagnosing or treating male-factor infertility in adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could improve understanding of male infertility and point to potential targets for diagnosis or therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work links PhLP3 to fertility in model organisms; this project extends those findings toward human biology and spermatogenesis.
Where this research is happening
-
Loyola University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mierisch, Jennifer Colleen Jemc — Loyola University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Mierisch, Jennifer Colleen Jemc
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.