Understanding how phthalates affect male reproductive development and later-life function
Official title: Mechanisms of Phthalate Toxicity in Testis Development and Later-Life Function
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11449419 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how everyday chemicals called phthalates may disrupt male reproductive development before birth and affect fertility later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $582,295 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES038190-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449419 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who may have concerns about reproductive health or exposure histories could benefit from the knowledge generated by this research.
✕Less likely to help
If phthalate exposure does not affect the pathways studied, some individuals may not experience direct benefits.
What this research studies
If you were exposed to phthalates before birth, this research aims to uncover the biological steps that may lead to changes in testis formation and sperm health. The team studies fetal development and how paternal exposure could influence future embryos, using 3D modeling and human-relevant systems to explore these mechanisms. The findings could clarify why some men experience reduced fertility and how early exposures translate to adult health. The study uses human-relevant models and emphasizes understanding risks and potential protective factors for reproductive health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these mechanisms could lead to better guidance on reducing exposure and resources for preserving male reproductive health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal studies show phthalates impact testis development, supporting the potential relevance of this work in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spade, Daniel James — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Spade, Daniel James
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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.