A protein is found whose deficiency makes men infertile
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Adding the missing protein to the seed of an infertile man can "give a boost" to his ability to fertilize an egg and significantly increase the chances of a successful pregnancy, a team of scientists from the Welsh School of Medicine discovered.
A group of scientists from the School of Medicine was the first to discover that during fertilization sperm transmits vital proteins known as PLC-zeta. This protein initiates a process called "activation of the egg", which catalyzes all the biologically necessary processes for the development of the egg in the embryo.
Now experts know that the problem of not fertilized eggs due to a PLC-zeta defect is solvable. When this protein is added to the sperm, the fertilization process begins, and the chances of a successful pregnancy increase.
"We know that some men are infertile, because their sperm could not activate the process of fertilization of the egg," said lead author Tony Lai. - However, now we have new opportunities for treating this ailment in men. We hope to develop a special technology, through which we can implant the molecules of this protein in male sperm, for which he, for whatever reason, is absent. Also, there is another option - the addition of this molecule to the egg directly in the process of fertilization. "
Similar studies were conducted by employees of the Medical School of Cardiff University, whose team was headed by Professor Karl Swann.
Experiments conducted by scientists in mice confirmed their theory, and also showed the effectiveness of this method, despite the fact that many procedures have to be done several times.
"These spermatozoa are" right ". In the laboratory, we were able to prepare the human protein PLC-zeta, which is an active component of the male seed. He behaves accordingly with his function, - say the researchers. - In the future, we could produce the human protein PLC-zeta and use it to stimulate the activation of the egg in a completely natural way. For those couples who are being treated with IVF, this can eventually increase the chances of having a baby and treating male infertility. "
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