Understanding how male hormone balance and FGFs shape sperm maturation in 3D lab models
Official title: Androgen-Estrogen Balance and FGF Pathways: Mechanisms underlying the contribution of efferent ducts to human sperm maturation
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11447100 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses a 3D lab model of the human epididymis to study how balancing male hormones (androgens and estrogens) and FGFs affects the development and function of the ducts that help sperm mature.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $350,286 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD119005-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447100 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with male reproductive health concerns related to epididymal function or infertility, or healthy individuals contributing samples for organoid development studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not directly affected would be those without epididymal or fertility concerns who are not participating in related analyses or sample collection.
What this research studies
Researchers will use a cutting-edge 3D organoid system that mimics the human epididymis to study how androgen and estrogen signals interact with fibroblast growth factor pathways to drive organ development and sperm maturation. They will examine gene expression and cell behavior under different hormone balances and FGFs, and test how high estrogen or exposure to endocrine disruptors can damage the epididymis lining. The work builds on preliminary data showing that DHT, testosterone, and estrogen regulate organoid growth, with FGFs promoting growth and branching. Insights may reveal how hormonal imbalances contribute to male fertility issues and identify targets to protect or restore epididymal function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new approaches to preserve or restore sperm maturation and male fertility in the context of hormonal imbalances or environmental exposures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with organoid models has shown that hormones and FGFs can regulate tissue growth, supporting the potential feasibility of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leir, Shih-Hsing — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Leir, Shih-Hsing
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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.