Understanding how DNA elements move during sperm development in fruit flies
Official title: Transposable element mobilization during spermatogenesis in Drosophila
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10900581 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain DNA pieces that can move around in the genes of fruit flies behave while sperm is being made, helping us understand how they might influence fertility and development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $42,135 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HD113222-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900581 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing infertility issues that may be linked to genetic factors or transposon activity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have fertility issues or whose conditions are unrelated to genetic factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the behavior of transposable elements, which are segments of DNA that can change their position within the genome, during the process of sperm development in fruit flies. By studying these elements in the male germline, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that control their mobilization and the timing of their activity. The approach involves sequencing circular DNA from fruit fly testes where specific pathways that normally suppress transposon activity have been disrupted. This could provide insights into how transposons affect fertility and development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of fertility issues related to transposon activity, potentially informing treatments for similar conditions in humans.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of transposable elements is ongoing, this specific approach to understanding their role in germline development is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in this context.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tracy, Lauren Ann — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Tracy, Lauren Ann
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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.