Understanding how genes affect sperm development and infertility
Official title: Spermatogenic gene regulation and infertility
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11083777 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how genes and molecules help create healthy sperm and what can go wrong to cause infertility, with the hope that the findings will lead to better treatments for people trying to conceive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,614,188 |
| NIH project number | 5P50HD104454-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083777 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include men experiencing infertility or abnormal sperm morphology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infertility due to non-genetic factors or those who are not male may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic and molecular factors that influence the development of healthy sperm and how disruptions in these processes can lead to infertility. By utilizing advanced genomics technologies, the team aims to explore the roles of various gene expressions and regulatory mechanisms in the formation of sperm cells. The research will involve analyzing chromatin modifications and RNA processing to identify potential causes of abnormal sperm morphology and chromosomal issues. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved fertility treatments and assisted reproduction technologies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for diagnosing and treating male infertility.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding genetic factors related to infertility, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cohen, Paula Elaine — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Cohen, Paula Elaine
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This grant aims to uncover the genetic causes of male infertility (azoospermia) to improve diagnosis and pave the way for personalized treatments.
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.