# ANIMAL MODEL OF MALE INFERTILITY

> **NIH NIH K08** · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · 1994 · $78,300

## Abstract

This proposal aims to use an animal model to identify genes involved in the
development of sperm flagella.  Abnormal sperm motility secondary to
abnormal flagellar function is found in a subset of males presenting for
infertility evaluation.  Understanding sperm flagellar assembly will have
clinical relevance in understanding the mechanisms of inherited and/or
acquired infertility.  Equally important will be the insight gained into a
closely regulated developmental process.

The study of mammalian flagellar biology could be advanced significantly by
the characterization of animal lines demonstrating abnormal flagellar
morphogenesis.  A newly derived transgenic mouse line, ANF/TK, expresses a
unique, inherited phenotype involving only the male germ line.  The ANF/TK
males are infertile, have a normal sperm number and have a spectrum of
sperm flagellar abnormalities.

I am a Neonatology fellow with a background in research.  My perinatal
clinical interests lead directly to a research interest in mechanisms of
development.  Following two intensive clinical years I plan to return to
the laboratory to address questions of development.  The laboratory of my
sponsor, with its emphasis on investigating development using animal
models, will provide me with all the resources and technical guidance
necessary to address a biological problem at both the whole animal and
molecular levels.

The specific aims of this research are:

(i)  to complete a genetic analysis of the inheritance pattern and
phenotype of the ANF/TK transgenic line using the techniques of mouse
breeding, sperm function testing, electron microscopy and two dimensional
gel electrophoresis:

(ii)  to identify the defect responsible for the infertility using protein
isolation and DNA cloning technologies;

(iii) to investigate the mechanism of action of the responsible gene(s) an
their role(s) in normal murine flagellar assembly, as well as to identify
their human homologs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2194440
- **Project number:** 5K08HD000969-03
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **SAM.gov UEI:** JDLVAVGYJQ21
- **Principal Investigator:** KENNETH M HUTTNER
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $78,300
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1992-07-01 → 1995-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2194440

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2194440, ANIMAL MODEL OF MALE INFERTILITY (5K08HD000969-03). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2194440. Licensed CC0.

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