Understanding How Sperm Become Ready to Fertilize an Egg
Regulation of Soluble Adenylate Cyclase During Mammalian Sperm Capacitation
['FUNDING_R01'] · COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11101119
This research aims to uncover the basic steps that allow sperm to fertilize an egg, which could help many couples facing male infertility.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11101119 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many couples experience fertility challenges, and often, the cause is related to male infertility due to a lack of understanding about how sperm work. This project focuses on a crucial step called capacitation, where sperm mature inside the female body to become capable of fertilization. We are looking into how a specific enzyme, soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), and related signals like cAMP and calcium, control this process. By understanding these fundamental mechanisms, we hope to shed light on why some sperm fail to fertilize an egg.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to men experiencing infertility due to unknown causes related to sperm function.
Not a fit: Patients whose infertility is not related to sperm function or male factors may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat male infertility, offering new hope for couples trying to conceive.
How similar studies have performed: While some aspects of sperm capacitation are known, many details about the regulation of key enzymes like sAC remain largely undiscovered, making this a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES
- COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY — FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KRAPF, DIEGO — COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KRAPF, DIEGO
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 below.