Swedish scientists from the University of Gothenburg have identified a new protein, MC2, that plays a crucial role in healthy sperm formation in mice. The absence of this gene leads to infertility. The study was published on: Web site Electronic library of the University of Gothenburg (GUPEA).
MC2 is responsible for creating a functional connection between the head and tail of the sperm.
“This connection is located in the ‘neck’ of the sperm head and facilitates the coordinated movement and functioning of the male cell towards the female egg. Without such a connection, the sperm will not be able to achieve its purpose,” explained Kexin Zhang, a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry and Biology and one of the study’s authors.
Experiments showed that when the MC2 protein was removed using “genetic scissors,” experimental animals became completely sterile.
Scientists say that the discovery of MC2 provides a new perspective on the molecular structure of sperm. Biologists plan to continue working in this direction.
Experts noted that approximately 15 percent of all couples encounter problems while trying to have children. In about half of the cases, the man is infertile. The research could both discover new treatments for male infertility and create a new birth control method for men that temporarily disables the MC2 gene.
Previous scientists to create Brain cells associated with infertility.