Our Mission and Team
Thus far, contraceptive drugs have been used exclusively by women. A comparable alternative for men is not yet available. Our research consortium, Contraception.MS, is investigating new approaches to non-hormonal contraceptive methods for both sexes. To this end, the Federal Minsitry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) has provided three million Euros in funding.
The aim is to develop compounds that block important ion channels - ‘gatekeeper proteins’ - in the plasma membrane of human sperm. By blocking these channels, sperm could be prevented from fertilizing the egg. In the future, such compounds may be used as non-hormonal contraceptives by both women and men. The two ion channels that are at the centre of our research are CatSper and Slo3. Together, they regulate calcium homeostasis in sperm and, thereby, control sperm motility. Both channels are found exclusively in sperm. Therefore, compounds that selectively block either of these channels should have only minimal side effects.
To achieve this goal, eight principal investigators (PIs) from pharmacology, physiology, structural biology, andrology, and genetics have joined forces. Seven of Contraception.MS' PIs are based at the University of Münster, one at the University of Hamburg.
Research Areas and Projects (TPs)
