Federal Grant Award Summary

Baylor College of Medicine received a $481,658 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), effective July 1, 2026 through February 28, 2031. The grant funds basic research investigating signaling pathways underlying cryptorchidism (undescended testicles), a condition affecting 1-3% of full-term newborns and associated with elevated risks of testicular cancer and infertility despite early surgical correction. The research focuses on elucidating the role of WNT4 signaling in testicular descent and function through two primary research aims examining the molecular mechanisms governing gubernacular and epididymal structural integrity, hormonal regulation, and genetic pathway coordination.

The grant deliverables include research findings on WNT pathway involvement in testicular positioning and fertility, with the ultimate objective of advancing understanding of the genetic and environmental factors underlying cryptorchidism pathogenesis. The research leverages Baylor's extensive biomedical research infrastructure and expertise in genomic sequencing and translational science to generate mechanistic insights that may inform future therapeutic interventions for this prevalent pediatric urologic condition.