Understanding sperm chromatin structure during sperm development and fertilization
Official title: Sperm chromatin structure and remodeling during spermiogenesis and fertilization
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11168838 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the special structure of sperm DNA is made and changed during sperm development and fertilization, using fruit flies to help us understand more about male fertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $552,685 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD114814-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11168838 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men experiencing infertility issues potentially linked to sperm chromatin structure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing fertility issues or those with infertility caused by factors unrelated to sperm chromatin structure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the structure of sperm chromatin, which is crucial for male fertility, is formed and remodeled during the development of sperm and the process of fertilization. Using the fruit fly as a model organism, the study will analyze the unique composition and architecture of sperm chromatin, which differs significantly from that of other cells. The researchers will employ biochemical, biophysical, and structural techniques to explore how sperm chromatin is assembled and its role in successful fertilization. This work aims to fill a critical knowledge gap regarding sperm chromatin, which has been underexplored despite its importance in reproduction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into male fertility and potential treatments for infertility related to sperm chromatin abnormalities.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of sperm chromatin is relatively novel, similar research in other areas of reproductive biology has shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fyodorov, Dmitry V — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Fyodorov, Dmitry V
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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.