Understanding how transposons are inhibited during male fetal gonad development

Mechanisms and Factors Responsible for the Inhibition of Transposons During Fetal Gonad Development in Humans

Observational Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon · NCT02171845

This study is trying to understand how certain genetic elements are kept in check during the development of male fetal testicles by looking at tissue samples from male fetuses.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages10 Weeks to 37 Weeks
SexMale
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dijon)
Trial IDNCT02171845 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the mechanisms and factors that inhibit transposons during the development of male fetal gonads. It will include 30 patients over a period of 36 months, focusing on male fetuses at various gestational ages who are undergoing medical or voluntary termination of pregnancy. Tissue samples, primarily gonads along with liver and psoas muscle for control, will be collected and analyzed using molecular biology techniques to quantify transposon expression and their inhibitors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are couples or mothers who have provided informed consent for male fetuses between 10 and 37 weeks of gestation undergoing medical or voluntary termination of pregnancy.

Not a fit: Patients whose fetuses have aneuploidy or malformations of the genital organs will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of fetal development and transposon regulation, potentially informing future reproductive health strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on transposon inhibition during fetal gonad development is novel, similar studies exploring transposon activity in other contexts have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Couple or mother who has provided written informed consent
* Foetus between 10 and 37 weeks of amenorrhea (WA)
* Male foetus
* Foetus obtained following medical termination of pregnancy or voluntary termination of pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

* persons without national health insurance cover
* foetus presenting aneuploidy
* foetus presenting a malformation of the genital organs

Where this trial is running

Dijon

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Medical Termination of PregnancyVoluntary Termination of PregnancyMale foetuses of 10 to 37 weeks
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.