Gene Involved In Cancer Affects Sperm’s Swimming Ability

A gene known to affect hormone action in breast and prostate cancer cells has been shown to have an impact on male fertility.

Asian Scientist (Aug. 20, 2013) – A gene known to affect hormone action in breast and prostate cancer cells has been shown to have an impact on male fertility, according to research by researchers in Australia. The findings could have ramifications for couples experiencing infertility.

The research team, headed by Dr Shane Colley of the University of Western Australia, found that mice without the SLIRP gene had one third fewer offspring than normal mice and produced significantly fewer sperm which could be described as ‘good swimmers’.

Electron microscopy of the sperm without the SLIRP gene found a disruption in the middle section of their structure, which was associated with the sperm swimming more slowly.

The research in mice could have an impact on human couples. Infertility affects approximately one in eight couples globally; in half these cases the cause is attributable to the male partner.

Despite medical and scientific advances in the understanding of infertility, the exact cause is often still unclear.

If reduced SLIRP production turns out to be an important cause of human infertility, assessment of SLIRP gene levels in male sperm could help explain why some couples are unable to have a baby.

The article can be found at: Colley et al. (2013) Loss Of The Nuclear Receptor Corepressor SLIRP Compromises Male Fertility.

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Source: UWA; Photo: Iqbal Osman1/Flickr/CC.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.

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