Understanding how temperature affects male fertility through chromosome structures

Defining the Mechanisms of Temperature Sensitive Meiotic Chromosome Structures in Male Infertility

NIH-funded research Colorado State University · NIH-11290568

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColorado State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fort Collins, United States)
Project IDNIH-11290568 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are males experiencing infertility issues potentially linked to temperature regulation.

Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing infertility or have other unrelated reproductive health issues may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Fort Collins, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions cancer risk
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.