Understanding how stress impacts sperm and future family health
Stress modeling of the human sperm sncRNA transcriptome and causal importance of dynamic miRNA in reproductive and developmental outcomes
This project explores how stress experienced by fathers before conception might change their sperm and influence the health of their future children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135585 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that stress experienced by fathers before they conceive can impact their children's health and development. This project focuses on tiny genetic messengers within sperm, called small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), which may carry these stress signals. Our team has already found specific sncRNAs in human sperm that respond to a father's perceived stress levels. Now, we aim to understand exactly how these stress-related changes in sperm sncRNAs affect reproductive success and the health of future generations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men who are planning to have children and are interested in how their stress levels might influence reproductive outcomes and offspring health could be ideal candidates for future related efforts.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment for existing reproductive issues or offspring health problems may not receive direct benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to improve reproductive health and prevent certain health issues in children by understanding and addressing paternal stress before conception.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies and the researchers' own foundational work have shown promising links between paternal stress, sperm sncRNAs, and offspring health, making this a novel extension into human biology.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bale, Tracy L — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Bale, Tracy L
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.