Understanding the genetics behind male infertility
Official title: Genetics of Male Infertility: Accelerating the pace of discovery
Funded at Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation · NIH-10992989 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the genes that might cause male infertility, especially a condition called nonobstructive azoospermia, which affects about 1 in 100 men, to help create better tests and treatments for couples dealing with infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,711,713 |
| NIH project number | 2P50HD096723-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992989 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men aged 20 to 50 who are diagnosed with nonobstructive azoospermia and are seeking answers regarding their infertility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have male infertility or those with obstructive azoospermia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors contributing to male infertility, specifically focusing on a condition called nonobstructive azoospermia, which affects about 1% of men. By analyzing genetic variants in affected individuals, the research aims to develop diagnostic tools and personalized treatment options. The project also includes creating advanced laboratory techniques to validate these genetic findings and assess their impact on reproductive health. Ultimately, the goal is to improve counseling for couples facing infertility and enhance treatment strategies based on genetic insights.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective diagnostic and treatment options for men experiencing infertility.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding genetic causes of infertility, making this approach a continuation of successful efforts in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Orwig, Kyle Edwin — Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
- Study coordinator: Orwig, Kyle Edwin
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.
-
Understanding how temperature affects male fertility through chromosome structures
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.
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Finding genes behind male infertility
This project uses long-read DNA sequencing to find genes and mutations that may cause infertility in men.
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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.
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.