Understanding how temperature affects male fertility through chromosome structures
Official title: Defining the Mechanisms of Temperature Sensitive Meiotic Chromosome Structures in Male Infertility
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-11290568 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how heat affects sperm production in males, using tiny worms to understand why higher temperatures might lead to infertility and possibly increase cancer risk, helping us learn more about male reproductive health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HD109505-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11290568 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are males experiencing infertility issues potentially linked to temperature regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing infertility or have other unrelated reproductive health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how temperature regulation impacts the formation of sperm in male organisms, specifically focusing on the mechanisms that lead to infertility when temperatures rise. Using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, the study examines the structural changes in meiotic chromosomes that occur under heat stress. By exploring these changes, the research aims to uncover the biological processes that contribute to male infertility and potentially increased cancer risk. The findings could provide insights into how temperature affects reproductive health in males.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing male infertility and associated health risks.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms being studied may be novel, previous research has shown that temperature regulation is crucial for male fertility, indicating a foundation for potential success.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cahoon, Cori K — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Cahoon, Cori K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Genetics of Male Infertility: Accelerating Discovery and Clinical Impact
This grant aims to uncover the genetic causes of male infertility (azoospermia) to improve diagnosis and pave the way for personalized treatments.
-
Gut soy and male fertility: how the gut microbiome may affect testosterone and sperm health
This grant explores how soy foods interact with the gut microbiome to influence male reproductive health, especially testosterone levels and sperm quality, in adults.
-
How heat harms sperm chromosome structures linked to male infertility
This work looks at how warmer-than-normal temperatures change the protein structures that organize chromosomes during sperm production, which could help men with heat-related infertility.
-
Finding genes behind male infertility
This project uses long-read DNA sequencing to find genes and mutations that may cause infertility in men.
-
Genetic causes of male infertility and azoospermia
This project aims to find gene changes that cause nonobstructive azoospermia in men to improve diagnosis and guide future treatments.
-
Exploring the link between genetic mutations and male infertility
This study is looking at how higher rates of genetic changes in men might be linked to infertility and other health problems, and it involves men with varying fertility levels who will provide samples to help us understand these connections better.
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.