Understanding how a specific enzyme affects sperm development in fruit flies
Official title: Determining the role of a TENT5 family non-canonical polyA polymerase in Drosophila spermatogenesis
Funded at New Mexico State University Las Cruces · NIH-11062500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special enzyme helps fruit flies make healthy sperm, and it could teach us more about similar processes in humans and other animals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New Mexico State University Las Cruces NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Las Cruces, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $145,948 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM153674-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062500 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals experiencing infertility issues related to sperm development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infertility not related to spermatogenesis or those with other unrelated reproductive health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a non-canonical polyA polymerase from the TENT5 family in the process of sperm development in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). The study focuses on how this enzyme influences the translational repression and reactivation of mRNAs during spermatogenesis, which is crucial for the proper formation of sperm cells. Using advanced techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, researchers will create specific genetic modifications to observe the effects on sperm cell development. The findings could provide insights into similar processes in humans and other animals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of sperm development, potentially leading to advancements in reproductive health and fertility treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding similar mechanisms in other organisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
New Mexico State University Las Cruces
Las Cruces, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Curtiss, Jennifer R — New Mexico State University Las Cruces
- Study coordinator: Curtiss, Jennifer R
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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.