Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Michigan State University received a $501,659 Project Grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) under the Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.865), awarded June 1, 2026, with completion scheduled for February 28, 2031. The award funds investigator-initiated research to advance understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying mammalian sperm capacitation, specifically examining the role of calcium-dependent signaling in metabolic reprogramming during this critical reproductive process.

The research employs mass spectrometry, stable isotope labeling, and genetic and pharmacological approaches to investigate how sperm activate and regulate central carbon metabolic pathways in response to increased energy demands during capacitation and ejaculation. The project focuses on the crosstalk between sperm metabolic reprogramming and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein—a cation channel of sperm (CatSper)–mediated signaling, utilizing knockout mouse models and functional studies. The research outcomes are expected to advance fundamental understanding of sperm biology with potential applications for addressing male infertility and developing non-hormonal contraceptive approaches, aligning with NICHD's mission to improve reproductive health and enhance human development.