Understanding why some hybrid male mice are infertile while others are not
A New Model for Elucidating the Genetic Mechanisms of Hybrid Male Sterility in House Mice
This study is looking at why some male house mice can't have babies when they come from different types of mice, and it's trying to find out what genes might help make them fertile again, which could help us understand more about infertility in animals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10709906 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors that lead to hybrid male sterility in house mice, specifically focusing on the differences between fertile and infertile hybrids. By studying two subspecies of house mice, the researchers aim to identify the genetic variants that can rescue fertility in hybrids that would otherwise be sterile. The approach involves using inbred mouse strains to replicate the conditions and analyze the stages of sperm development affected by these genetic factors. This work could provide insights into reproductive biology and the mechanisms of infertility.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be individuals or couples experiencing unexplained male infertility.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing infertility or those with infertility due to non-genetic factors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of infertility mechanisms, potentially leading to new strategies for addressing male infertility in various species, including humans.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific genetic mechanisms of hybrid male sterility in house mice are being explored in this research, similar studies in evolutionary genetics have shown promise in understanding reproductive barriers in other species.
Where this research is happening
Raleigh, United States
- North Carolina State University Raleigh — Raleigh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aylor, David Lawrence — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Aylor, David Lawrence
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 below.