Testis channelopathies (A04)

• Subject Area: Reproductive Medicine, Urology ; Cell Biology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 549467913

The most severe form of male infertility is characterised by the absence of germ cells from the seminiferous tubules (Sertoli cell-only, SCO). This phenotype can be caused by loss-of-function variants in the ion channel-encoding gene CLCN2. The aim of this project is to gain mechanistic insights into the role of CLC-2 channels in male infertility. To this end, molecular, cellular, and system functions will be analysed using human iPSC-derived cultures and genetically modified mice. Analyses will include electrophysiology, live-cell imaging as well as in silico modelling, shedding light on the role of ion channels in male infertility.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1748: Principles of Reproduction – Unravelling the Molecular Mechanisms of Male Infertility
• Applicant Institution: Universität Münster
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Guiscard Seebohm; Professor Dr. Marc Spehr