Mysterious DNA marks in sperm and eggs: how sex shapes germline methylation
Official title: Molecular determinants of sex-specific DNA methylation signature acquisition in the mammalian germline
Funded at Coriell Institute for Medical Research · NIH-11618576 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how DNA methylation patterns in sperm and eggs become different between the sexes and why that matters for fertility and healthy offspring.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Coriell Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Camden, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HD112543-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11618576 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with fertility concerns or germline epigenetic issues who may participate in future related studies or have samples analyzed.
✕Less likely to help
People without germline methylation issues may not directly benefit from this basic research.
What this research studies
The project explores why sperm and egg cells develop distinct DNA methylation patterns and how these patterns are established and erased during germ cell development. It uses human-relevant concepts like bisulfite sequencing and CUT&RUN to map methylation and chromatin features in germ cells. The study aims to uncover mechanisms that could explain why aberrant methylation leads to fertility problems or developmental issues in offspring, with potential future implications for diagnosis or therapy. Researchers will investigate how transcription factors and histone marks influence where methylation is added or removed in the germline. Overall, the work seeks to connect basic germ cell biology to real-world fertility and developmental outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding sex-specific DNA methylation in the germline could lead to new insights into infertility and healthier offspring.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown links between germline methylation patterns and fertility, suggesting this approach could yield meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Coriell Institute for Medical Research
Camden, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prasasya, Rexxi Diptya — Coriell Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Prasasya, Rexxi Diptya
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.