Trauma, sperm miRNA, and risk to offspring health
Official title: Trauma Effects on Men's Sperm miRNA Function in Epigenetic Inheritance
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11380412 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small study will look at how a father's trauma exposure might change his sperm RNA and potentially affect children’s risk for anxiety or behavior changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $453,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD121040-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380412 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adult men with a history of trauma exposure who can provide a sperm sample and complete trauma history assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Men without trauma exposure or without ability to provide a sperm sample may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project examines whether trauma experiences in men alter sperm microRNAs and if these changes could influence early development in offspring. Researchers will analyze sperm samples from adult men and relate specific miRNA levels to trauma history. The goal is to understand a possible epigenetic link between a father's trauma and child outcomes related to anxiety and social behavior. The work builds on prior findings in humans and animals to explore a mechanism that may contribute to intergenerational effects. Results could inform future strategies for mitigating inherited risk factors related to trauma exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could clarify a biological pathway by which paternal trauma affects offspring, guiding future prevention and intervention efforts.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in humans and animals suggests trauma can influence sperm miRNA and offspring behavior, supporting the rationale for this work.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feig, Larry — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Feig, Larry
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.