Understanding how genes control the development of male and female reproductive organs
Official title: Determining how Doublesex and sex-specific steroid hormone signaling control gonad development
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11094076 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene called Doublesex helps shape the differences between male and female reproductive organs in fruit flies, which could help us understand similar processes in other animals, including humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $49,538 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HD112130-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094076 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals with conditions related to sexual development or differentiation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to sexual differentiation or those over 21 years old may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific gene, Doublesex (Dsx), in determining the differences between male and female reproductive organ development in fruit flies. By using advanced techniques like RNA interference and bioinformatics, the study aims to identify how Dsx interacts with other proteins and hormones to influence gonad development. The findings could provide insights into the fundamental biological processes that govern sexual differentiation across various species, including humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of sexual development disorders and inform potential treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding sexual differentiation through genetic studies in model organisms, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goetting, Samantha — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Goetting, Samantha
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.