Scientists at Michigan State University (MSU) have made a major discovery that can effectively advance the development of male birth control.
Under the leadership of Chen Chen, an assistant professor of animal science, researchers at Michigan State University used a novel gene editing technique to find that they can block genes that control sperm production in male mice and promote infertility. The research results are currently published in the journal Nature Communications. The mammalian, mouse reproductive gene called PNLDC1 has many similarities with humans, so a similar approach is likely to succeed in human males. Researchers are currently trying to apply this drug therapy to humans.
On the same day, Chen issued a statement at Michigan State University: "More than 500,000 people undergo vasectomy every year. There is a large market for this research, and now we have a better understanding of the genetic basis of mammalian sperm development. In addition, this sterilization in rats is not permanent, suggesting that such potential medical treatment can only temporarily block the production of reproductive genes, after which sperm production will return to normal.
Professor Chen explained: “If you remove this gene from birth, it will lead to permanent infertility. However, the system we are currently researching is new or acquired. If you block the function of the same protein After that, it will produce the same effect, but it will not permanently affect the production of sperm. For permanent aggression, the stem cell pool needs to be removed, because stem cells are the ancestor (or creator) of mature sperm."
Although inhibition of testosterone can effectively limit sperm production, it also causes certain side effects to other tissues and organs of men. "It's best to find a non-hormone research goal... One of the interesting things about the PNLDC1 gene is that it is mainly produced in germ cells, not in normal tissues like the brain, heart or liver. In the PNLDC1 gene In the study, the researchers found that the only physiological difference between mice and humans is that the testes of mice are smaller than their size compared to humans, although this seems to have no effect on their sexual function. )
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