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Siglecs in the Porcine Oviduct: Roles in the Sperm Reservoir and Sperm Immune Response

Award Number: F31HD108959
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 02/26/2023
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 09/25/2026

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Siglecs in the Porcine Oviduct: Roles in the Sperm Reservoir and Sperm Immune Response - Project Summary/Abstract Siglecs in the Porcine Oviduct: Roles in the Formation of the Sperm Reservoir and Sperm Immune Response In mammals, only a small fraction of the deposited spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract reach the oviduct. Once in the oviduct, sperm bind to the oviductal epithelium, forming the functional sperm reservoir, which is crucial in prolonging sperm lifespan by inducing sperm into a quiescent state and providing these foreign gametes with an immune-suppressed environment. Siglecs are immunomodulatory receptors that recognize sialic acid-containing glycoconjugates. Using the pig as a model, we have discovered the presence of up to eight different Siglecs in the porcine oviduct, five of which are immune inhibitory. We have also characterized the N- and O-glycans and glycolipids present in porcine spermatozoa. Our results have identified the presence of several sialic acid-containing glycoconjugates on porcine sperm that are ligands for Siglecs. We hypothesize that the interactions of sialylated glycans of sperm with Siglecs from the oviduct are essential for sperm adhesion to the epithelium and sperm survival by suppressing leukocyte infiltration and the local innate immune response. The overall goal of this study is to develop a clear understanding of the role of Siglecs in the oviduct and sperm sialic acids during the formation of the sperm reservoir. The Specific Aims are 1) to determine the cellular location and abundance of Siglecs in the oviduct epithelium and sialic acid terminating glycans on sperm, 2) to determine the role of Siglec-1 and other Siglecs in sperm adhesion to oviduct cells, and 3) to determine the role of oviduct Siglecs in local immune regulation upon sperm-oviduct interactions. To address these aims I will utilize a combination of biochemical, cell and molecular, biological, and genomic approaches along with both in-vitro and in-vivo models. The findings from this study have practical applications such as enhanced diagnosis of idiopathic infertility and the development of novel approaches to regulating fertility such as the discovery of new contraceptive targets. This research training plan will provide me with training in a variety of cutting-edge and foundational techniques using an interdisciplinary approach that includes reproduction, immunology, and glycobiology. Moreover, it will support opportunities for career development to prepare me for a successful career in science. The outstanding scientific environment of the University of Illinois will provide me with multiple learning opportunities and the resources to accomplish this study. Dr. Miller, with proven mentoring experience and expertise in the study of the sperm-oviduct interaction, as well as my co-sponsors Dr. McKim and Dr. Nowak, will guide me in the success of the proposed research training plan and my scientific career development.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $5,197 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS	506 S WRIGHT ST	URBANA	IL	61801	CHAMPAIGN	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	4	1/29/2026	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$5,149
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS	506 S WRIGHT ST	URBANA	IL	61801	CHAMPAIGN	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	002	4	4/3/2026	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$48
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS	506 S WRIGHT ST	URBANA	IL	61801	CHAMPAIGN	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	001	4	2/27/2026	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $5,197

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $44,645 )
2025	2025	UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS	506 S WRIGHT ST	URBANA	IL	61801	CHAMPAIGN	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	001	3	7/1/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$564
2025	2025	UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS	506 S WRIGHT ST	URBANA	IL	61801	CHAMPAIGN	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	3	1/28/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$44,081
														Subtotal = $44,645

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $44,081 )
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS	506 S WRIGHT ST	URBANA	IL	61801	CHAMPAIGN	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	002	2	5/2/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$1,280
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS	506 S WRIGHT ST	URBANA	IL	61801	CHAMPAIGN	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	001	2	2/9/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$42,801
2024	2023	UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS	506 S WRIGHT ST	URBANA	IL	61801	CHAMPAIGN	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	1	2/8/2024	NEW	$0
														Subtotal = $44,081

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $42,801 )
2023	2023	UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS	506 S WRIGHT ST	URBANA	IL	61801	CHAMPAIGN	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	001	1	2/16/2023	NEW	$0
2023	2023	UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS	506 S WRIGHT ST	URBANA	IL	61801	CHAMPAIGN	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	1	2/16/2023	NEW	$42,801
														Subtotal = $42,801

Grand Total All Awards = $136,724

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Siglecs in the Porcine Oviduct: Roles in the Sperm Reservoir and Sperm Immune Response

Award Number: F31HD108959

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 02/26/2023

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 09/25/2026

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