Sperm flagella dysfunction related to defects of inner dynein arms and associated structures (B01)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 549467913

To reach and fertilise the egg, sperm use their flagellum as a propeller. Genetic variants disrupting the expression, assembly, and/or function of flagellar motor proteins (e.g., inner dynein arms) do not only impair sperm motility and male fertility, but may also affect motile cilia, causing primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Combining genetic, molecular, imaging, and functional approaches, the cell type-specific role of inner dynein arms in sperm flagella and motile respiratory cilia will be defined – in health and disease. Translating the findings into the clinics will improve diagnosis and care for men with inner dynein arm defects, addressing both infertility and PCD.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1748: Principles of Reproduction – Unravelling the Molecular Mechanisms of Male Infertility
• Applicant Institution: Universität Münster
• Project Head: Dr. Johanna Raidt