Understanding how male reproductive structures develop under the influence of androgens
Official title: Mechanisms of androgen-dependent Wolffian duct differentiation
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11085075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain hormones help shape a part of the male reproductive system in mice, which could help us understand problems with male infertility linked to this development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $425,971 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD111425-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085075 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include males experiencing infertility issues related to developmental abnormalities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infertility not linked to Wolffian duct development or those with other unrelated reproductive health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the differentiation of the Wolffian duct, a crucial structure for male reproductive organ development, which is influenced by androgens. The study utilizes a specialized mouse model to explore how androgen receptors in the mesenchyme affect this process. By analyzing gene expression and chromatin accessibility, the research aims to identify key factors that regulate Wolffian duct development. This could provide insights into male infertility issues related to abnormal Wolffian duct formation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for male infertility caused by developmental defects in reproductive structures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding androgen signaling in reproductive development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Fei — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Fei
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
BRAVE Innovation Center for Viral Resistance in Chickens
A center at UW–Madison aims to create chickens genetically resistant to avian viruses like H5N1 by identifying host genes involved in virus replication using genome-wide CRISPR screening.
-
Center to Fight Vector-Borne Diseases in the Midwest
A Midwest program brings researchers, public health teams, and vector-control groups together to prevent diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes.
-
Globally useful predictor for cervical cancer treatment response
This project aims to develop a simple predictive signature to personalize treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer using easy tests and imaging.
-
Neutrophil development with stem cells to understand their behavior
Researchers are studying how neutrophils, a type of immune cell, develop from stem cells to better understand why they can help or harm in infections and inflammatory diseases.
-
WREN: Expanding Research Capacity in Rural Primary Care Clinics
A nationwide network in Wisconsin will strengthen rural primary care clinics to participate in real-world research and bring more clinical trials to communities.
-
Targeting early oral GVHD to improve mouth health after stem cell transplant
A study at UW–Madison will explore why some transplant patients develop painful oral GVHD and test ideas to prevent and lessen mouth-related problems.
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.