Understanding male fertility through a special mouse model
Official title: A knock-in mouse model for male fertility: basis for the mammal-specific protein phosphatase isoform PP1y2 in sperm
Funded at Kent State University · NIH-10675027 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called PP1y2 affects male fertility by using specially modified mice to understand how sperm is made and how it works, which could help us learn more about what helps or hinders sperm health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kent State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kent, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $76,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R03HD107333-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10675027 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men experiencing infertility issues, particularly those with unexplained causes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not male or those who do not have fertility concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein, PP1y2, in male fertility by using a genetically modified mouse model. The study focuses on the complex processes involved in sperm formation and development, which are challenging to replicate outside of a living organism. By manipulating genes in these mice, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that lead to normal and disrupted sperm function, particularly in relation to signaling proteins that affect sperm motility and viability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into male infertility and potential treatments for men struggling to conceive.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using the PP1y2 protein in a mouse model is novel, similar genetic manipulation studies have shown promise in understanding fertility mechanisms in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Kent State University
Kent, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vijayaraghavan, Srinivasan — Kent State University
- Study coordinator: Vijayaraghavan, Srinivasan
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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.