Understanding how aging affects testis stem cells
Official title: Characterization of age-related changes in the testis stem cell niche
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11071644 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how aging affects the tiny environment where sperm-producing stem cells live in fruit flies, helping us understand why fertility might decline as we get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $466,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG086723-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071644 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult males experiencing age-related fertility issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing fertility issues or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the changes that occur in the testis stem cell niche as individuals age, focusing on how these changes impact the process of sperm production. By using the adult fruit fly as a model organism, the study aims to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence stem cell function and number over time. The research will analyze gene expression in niche cells and the surrounding microenvironment to better understand the decline in stem cell activity associated with aging. This could provide insights into the biological mechanisms behind age-related fertility issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for addressing age-related fertility problems in men.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach using Drosophila is novel, similar studies have shown success in understanding stem cell aging in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bach, Erika a — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Bach, Erika a
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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.