Protein-Based Inheritance in Mammals
Funded at Texas Tech University Health Scis Center · NIH-11404675 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project explores how environmental exposures in fathers might affect the health and traits of their children and grandchildren.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University Health Scis Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lubbock, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $575,904 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD125923-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404675 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable; this is a basic science grant not currently recruiting patients.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation expected in this basic research grant.
What this research studies
This project looks at how factors in a father’s environment can be passed to future generations through the sperm. It combines studies in mammals and worms to understand epigenetic changes that might influence metabolism, cancer risk, and neurological traits in offspring. The team aims to uncover the mechanisms behind transgenerational inheritance and how germ-line factors carry information across generations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could help explain how paternal exposures influence child health and inform preventative strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies have shown transgenerational effects; this project aims to clarify mechanisms and transmission routes.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Tech University Health Scis Center
Lubbock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cornwall, Gail a — Texas Tech University Health Scis Center
- Study coordinator: Cornwall, Gail a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Glycan changes on brain blood vessels and their role in Alzheimer’s-related brain vascular disease
Researchers are studying how sugar molecules on brain blood vessel surfaces affect the buildup of amyloid and the development of cerebral amyloid angiopathy in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Cholesterol in Liposomal Cancer Drugs and Safer Formulations
A researcher at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is studying how cholesterol in liposome-based cancer drugs interacts with the body’s immune system to improve or worsen tumor growth, with the goal of making safer, more effective treatments.
-
Endogenous retroviruses and alcohol use disorder
A new study explores how ancient viral elements in our DNA might be activated by alcohol and contribute to alcohol use disorder, potentially guiding new treatments.
-
Understanding how ER quality control affects protein movement and stress signals in diabetes-related cells
Aims to understand how the cell’s quality-control system in the endoplasmic reticulum affects protein handling and stress responses in adults with type 2 diabetes.
-
Blocking FOXO4 to protect the brain after stroke
Researchers aim to find out if blocking a protein called FOXO4 can protect the brain and reduce Alzheimer-like damage after an ischemic stroke.
-
Boosting vitamin A and gene activity in the brain's memory center
This research aims to see whether vitamin A supplements together with drugs that boost gene activity can restore key memory-related genes in older adults and people with Alzheimer's.
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.