# Physiological Functions of Female Reproductive Tract Secretions

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT STORRS · 2021 · $327,393

## Abstract

Project summary
Secretions from oviducts are essential for preparing gametes for fertilization, processes conserved throughout
the animal kingdom. However, molecular mechanisms underlying oviduct physiology are largely unknown.
Recent studies from our lab have shown that secretory cells of spermathecae and parovaria, two types of
glands in Drosophila female reproductive tract, are functionally homologous to secretory cells in mammalian
oviducts and play essential roles for ovulation, sperm storage, and fertilization. With the wealth of genetic tools
we developed and capability of rapid and precise genetic manipulation, we propose to utilize this novel
Drosophila system to elucidate the conserved molecular mechanisms underlying secretory cell-regulated
ovulation and sperm storage. Particularly, we will characterize the role of conserved transcription factors
(NR5A-family nuclear receptor Hr39, GATA-family transcription factors Pannier and Serpent) in secretory cells
for sperm storage and ovulation. We will also identify the downstream targets of these transcription factors in
secretory cells to fulfill their roles and identify novel secretory factors for sperm storage using genetic screens.
This work will provide a comprehensive understanding of the secretory cell physiology in female reproductive
tract. The conserved nature of these signaling pathways will allow the knowledge gained from this study to be
further validated in other insect species as well as in mammalian and human oviducts. Therefore, this work will
ultimately reveal promising new drug targets for the alleviation of infertility, for novel contraceptive
development, and for controlling malaria-bearing mosquito population, all of which are highly relevant to human
health.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10133702
- **Project number:** 5R01HD097206-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT STORRS
- **Principal Investigator:** Jianjun Sun
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $327,393
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-04-01 → 2025-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10133702

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10133702, Physiological Functions of Female Reproductive Tract Secretions (5R01HD097206-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10133702. Licensed CC0.

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