Sperm Centriole Mechanism in Fertilization
Official title: Spermatozoa Centrosome Mediated Head-Tail Coupling
Funded at University of Toledo · NIH-11433714 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how human sperm centrioles and the neck connect to the tail to enable fertilization, using rabbits as a genetic model to uncover this mechanism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $448,793 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD123050-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11433714 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with fertility concerns related to sperm structure/function or researchers seeking to translate fundamental sperm biology into clinical insights.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without fertility concerns or interest in basic sperm biology may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to reveal how the sperm’s neck and centrioles work together to enable fertilization, a key step in human fertility. By using high-resolution imaging and carefully chosen genetic manipulations in rabbits, the team hopes to observe live sperm behavior and how the head moves in response to tail forces. The goal is to provide a mechanistic understanding of head-kinking and determine its importance for successful fertilization. Results could illuminate new aspects of male fertility and potential targets for diagnosing or treating related fertility issues. The study addresses a specific human reproductive biology question with translational potential, while leveraging animal models to overcome current technical challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could improve understanding of male fertility and inform future diagnostics or therapies related to fertilization.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests a possible role for the sperm neck and centrioles in fertilization, but live human data are limited, making this study both building on and extending prior findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Toledo
Toledo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Avidor-Reiss, Tomer — University of Toledo
- Study coordinator: Avidor-Reiss, Tomer
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How Zika Virus Can Weaken Eye Barriers and What Might Help
Researchers are studying how Zika virus may disrupt the eye’s protective barrier in newborns and whether certain pathways could be targeted to protect vision.
-
Role of Protocadherin 19 in human cortical development and its link to epilepsy
A study using human stem cell–derived brain models to understand how PCDH19 gene variants affect early brain development and contribute to epilepsy.
-
How tiny RNAs help guide nerve fibers in autism
A study in chicken models looks at how specific microRNAs control nerve-fiber guidance receptors to help proper brain wiring relevant to autism.
-
Centrosomal JAK2 in ciliated cells impacts ciliogenesis and cell behavior
A research grant aims to understand how JAK2 at the centrosome affects ciliogenesis and related cell functions in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Dynamic covalent chemistry enables remote C-H changes on alkaloids
A new method uses special temporary directing groups to modify hard-to-reach parts of alkaloid molecules, potentially expanding how these natural-product-derived compounds are customized.
-
Understanding how Gfi1 and C/EBPα steer neutrophil formation in the blood
A scientist team at the University of Toledo is studying why certain blood cells become neutrophils or monocytes, with the aim of finding ways to help people with low neutrophil counts.
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.