Understanding how spermatogonial stem cells are maintained in the testis
Spermatogonial Stem Cell Maintenance
This study is exploring how different types of stem cells in the testis help produce sperm, focusing on how quickly they grow and change, which could improve our understanding of male fertility and new birth control options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jackson Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bar Harbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10825601 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the maintenance and cycling behavior of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in the testis, which are crucial for sperm production. The study focuses on identifying different populations of SSCs based on their activity levels, specifically looking at rapid-cycling and slow-cycling cells. By using advanced techniques like lineage tracing, the researchers aim to understand how disruptions in the cell cycle can affect the self-renewal and differentiation of these stem cells. This knowledge could lead to better insights into male fertility and potential contraceptive methods.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adult males, particularly those interested in male contraceptive options or those experiencing fertility challenges.
Not a fit: Patients who are not male or those who are not of reproductive age may not receive benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for male contraception and enhanced understanding of male fertility issues.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding stem cell behavior, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Bar Harbor, United States
- Jackson Laboratory — Bar Harbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Braun, Robert E — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Braun, Robert E
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.