Understanding how sperm RNA and environmental factors affect metabolic traits in future generations
Official title: Decoding the signature of sperm RNA & RNA modification of environmental stressors on the intergenerational transmission of metabolic phenotypes
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10901967 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things like arsenic in the environment can change tiny molecules in sperm, and how those changes might affect the health of future generations, especially in terms of metabolism, using mice to help understand these effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $414,599 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES032024-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901967 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals exposed to environmental stressors, particularly those with a history of metabolic disorders or high-fat diets.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of metabolic disorders or environmental exposures related to the study may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how small non-coding RNAs in sperm can be modified by environmental stressors, such as arsenic, and how these changes may influence the metabolic health of future generations. By studying the RNA modifications in sperm, the researchers aim to uncover a 'sperm RNA code' that carries information about paternal health and environmental exposures. The approach includes using mouse models to analyze how these RNA changes affect embryo development and metabolic disorders in offspring. This research could provide insights into the biological mechanisms behind intergenerational health issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing metabolic disorders in future generations by understanding the impact of environmental factors on sperm RNA.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding the role of RNA modifications in sperm and their impact on offspring health, indicating that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Qi — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Chen, Qi
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.