Prediction of ART outcomes for male factor infertility using single-molecule chromatin stenciling in sperm
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11456508 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new test called sperm Fiber-seq is being developed to better predict how well ART will work for couples dealing with male-factor infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $492,699 |
| NIH project number | 1R61HD123420-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11456508 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men with infertility undergoing evaluation for ART and their partners.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infertility due to non-male-factor causes or those not undergoing ART may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This grant aims to create a more accurate and reproducible way to assess sperm quality beyond standard semen analysis. By measuring how DNA packaging in individual sperm relates to fertility, the test could help doctors tailor ART decisions for better outcomes. The approach uses single-molecule chromatin measurements and is designed to be scalable and automatable, potentially usable with banked samples and in settings with limited resources. If successful, this could lead to more precise diagnoses and more personalized treatment plans for men facing infertility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more accurate diagnoses and more personalized ART plans that improve chances of a successful pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest the method can identify abnormal sperm samples and is scalable, but clinical validation in ART settings is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lesch, Bluma J — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Lesch, Bluma J
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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.