CRC 1748 - A05: Spatial sensing of spermatogonial stem cells: cues for cell (dys)function

Basic data for this project

Type of project: Subproject in DFG-joint project hosted at University of Münster

Duration at the University of Münster: 01/04/2026 - 31/12/2029 | 1st Funding period

Description

Men with only few sperm in their ejaculate (cryptozoospermia) feature a mix of seminiferous tubules with normal and impaired germ cell differentiation, which may be caused by mechanical forces acting on the tissue. This project aims to delineate the mechanobiology of the seminiferous tubules and its role in germ cell differentiation. Thus, the mechanical properties of seminiferous tubules with normal versus impaired germ cell differentiation will be determined by atomic force microscopy, combined with spatially resolved transcriptional profiling of enclosed cells. This will reveal how mechanical forces affect germ cell differentiation in tissues from infertile men.

Keywords: Kryptozoospermie

DFG-Gepris-ID: https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/574757247

Funding identifier: SFB 1748/1, A05 | DFG project number: 549467913

Funder / funding scheme:

DFG - Collaborative Research Centre (SFB)

Project management at the University of Münster

Neuhaus, Nina Julia

Institut für Reproduktions- und Regenerationsbiologie

Applicants from the University of Münster