Scientists at the University of Washington have discovered a gene in several mammalian species that could pave the way for a highly effective, reversible, non-hormonal male birth control pill for humans and animals. The results of the research have been published magazine Nature Communication.
The authors detected expression of the Arrdc5 gene in testicular tissue of mice, pigs, cattle and humans.
“This gene is expressed in testicular tissue and not expressed anywhere else. In males, they produce sperm that cannot fertilize the egg when closed. Because of this feature, the gene is the main target of creating reversible birth control for the male,” explained the scientists.
Thus, male mice lacking this gene produced 28% fewer spermatozoa, which moved 2.8 times slower than normal mice. In addition, approximately 98% of their spermatozoa had developmental anomalies.
Research shows that the protein encoded by this gene is essential for normal sperm production. In the next study, the team will work to develop a drug that will inhibit the production of this protein. Theoretically, a man could stop taking the drug, and then the spermatozoa would start functioning normally again.
“We analyzed a large amount of data and found this gene in almost all mammals. The scientists noted that therefore the drug could also be used to control reproduction in livestock.