NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Understanding how certain proteins affect male fertility in mice

Official title: Identifying the Molecular Function of the Y-linked Mouse Zinc Finger Proteins ZFY1 and ZFY2

Funded at University of Hawaii at Manoa · NIH-10909857 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how two proteins, ZFY1 and ZFY2, affect sperm development in male mice, which could help us learn more about male fertility and lead to new treatments for fertility issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Honolulu, United States)
Project startAugust 4, 2023
Project endAugust 3, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$34,974
NIH project number5F31HD111279-02
Project IDNIH-10909857 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are men experiencing infertility issues, particularly those with suspected genetic factors affecting sperm production.

Less likely to help

Patients with infertility not related to genetic factors or those who are not male may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of two specific proteins, ZFY1 and ZFY2, in male fertility by studying their effects on sperm development in mice. The researchers will use advanced techniques like CRISPR to manipulate these proteins and analyze their impact on spermatogenesis, which is the process of sperm cell development. By examining germ cells from genetically modified mice, they aim to identify the genes regulated by these proteins and understand their biochemical functions through various assays. This work could provide insights into male reproductive health and potential fertility treatments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating male infertility.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that understanding the molecular mechanisms of fertility can lead to significant advancements in reproductive health, suggesting this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Hawaii at Manoa
    Honolulu, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Holmlund, Hayden Robert — University of Hawaii at Manoa
  • Study coordinator: Holmlund, Hayden Robert

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.