CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

MERSCOPE GRANT CHALLENGE WINNER

DR. SETHU PITCHIAYA

Dr. Pitchiaya’s project was selected as the winner for our Vizgen/SCSAP Merscope Grant Challenge!

Title of the project: Investigating cellular mechanisms of stress-induced impairment in male fertility

Brief Project Description: The testis faces extensive environmental, metabolic, hormonal, and toxin-induced stresses. Yet, little is known about how these stresses contribute to reduced male fertility and (irreversible) infertility. Emerging evidence from our group suggest that stress-induced transcriptional selectivity and subcellular RNA reorganization impact cellular fitness. Here, we seek to leverage spatial transcriptomics to understand how stress-induced and cell-specific transcriptional changes influence testicular homeostasis, and consequently male fertility, using hormonal stress as a model. With male factor infertility affecting approximately 8% of couples worldwide and frequently presenting without a recognizable cause, our work stands to shed light on cellular mechanisms and potential diagnostics. 

Congratulations again Dr. Pitchiaya! We wish you the best of luck on your Merscope Project!