Sperm DNA and chemical tags in men with repeated miscarriages
The genome integrity and epigenome of sperm from men with recurrent pregnancy loss
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER · NIH-11311832
This project looks at whether breaks in sperm DNA and changes to chemical tags on sperm help explain repeated miscarriages in couples.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11311832 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will collect a sperm sample and run lab tests to look for DNA breaks, chemical tags on the DNA called methylation, and how DNA is wrapped on proteins. They will compare samples from men in couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss to samples from men without such losses. The team will study a large group to find patterns that might link sperm changes to repeated miscarriage. Results could point to new tests or targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men whose partner has had two or more unexplained pregnancy losses and who can provide a sperm sample.
Not a fit: Couples with a known cause for their miscarriages (for example, confirmed chromosomal problems in parents or clear uterine issues) or men unable to provide a sample are less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new sperm-based tests that help explain unexplained recurrent miscarriages and guide care.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier smaller studies have linked sperm DNA fragmentation and abnormal methylation to miscarriage, but combining DNA breaks, methylation, and histone patterns in a large cohort is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER — SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MAK, WINIFRED W — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER
- Study coordinator: MAK, WINIFRED W
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 below.
Conditions: Candidate Disease Gene