 |
|
Possible Genetic Factor for Male Infertility Identified
September 16, 2009Findings may lead to development of novel approach for male contraception
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine researchers have discovered a gene involved with the production of sperm that may contribute to male infertility and lead to new approaches to male contraception.
One in six couples trying to conceive a baby is affected by infertility, according to the American Fertility Association - and in about half of these cases, a male factor is present. Sperm defects are often found to be the main cause or a contributing cause.
Sperm are produced in the testicles through a three-step process called spermatogenesis. During the final stage, known as spermiogenesis, a lot of changes take place, including the packaging of DNA into the sperm head and the formation of the sperm tail, which propels the sperm cell toward the egg.
In the study, published online in the Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences the week of Sept. 14, the team reported that male mice lacking a protein called meiosis expressed gene 1, or MEIG1, were sterile as a result of impaired spermiogenesis - the process that encompasses changes in the sperm head and the formation of the tail.
According to Jerome F. Strauss III, M.D., Ph.D., dean in the VCU School of Medicine, and Zhibing Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor in the VCU Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the team also found that MEIG1 associates with the Parkin co-regulated gene protein, or PACRG protein, and that testicular PACRG protein is reduced in MEIG1-deficient mice. PACRG is thought to play a key role in assembly of the sperm tail, and the reproductive phenotype of PACRG -deficient mice mirrors that of the MEIG1-mutant mice.
"We discovered that MEIG1 is essential for male fertility. Moreover, our findings reveal a critical role for the MEIG1/PACRG partnership in the function of a structure that is unique to sperm, the manchette. The absence of a normal manchette in mice lacking MEIG1 totally disrupts the maturation process of sperm," said Strauss.
"In addition to having an impact on fertility, the discovery identifies a new target for drug discovery for a much needed reversible male method of contraception," he said.
This work was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health.
Strauss and Zhang, who are affiliate faculty members in the VCU Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, collaborated with VCU researchers Xuening Shen, M.D., and David R. Gude, Ph.D. Also contributing to this work were Bonney M. Wilkinson, Ph.D., and Monica J. Justice, Ph.D., from the Baylor College of Medicine; Charles J. Flickinger, Ph.D., and John C. Herr, Ph.D., with the University of Virginia; and Edward M. Eddy, Ph.D., with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Sperm are produced in the testicles through a three-step process called spermatogenesis. During the final stage, known as spermiogenesis, a lot of changes take place, including the packaging of DNA into the sperm head and the formation of the sperm tail, which propels the sperm cell toward the egg.
In the study, published online in the Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences the week of Sept. 14, the team reported that male mice lacking a protein called meiosis expressed gene 1, or MEIG1, were sterile as a result of impaired spermiogenesis - the process that encompasses changes in the sperm head and the formation of the tail.
According to Jerome F. Strauss III, M.D., Ph.D., dean in the VCU School of Medicine, and Zhibing Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor in the VCU Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the team also found that MEIG1 associates with the Parkin co-regulated gene protein, or PACRG protein, and that testicular PACRG protein is reduced in MEIG1-deficient mice. PACRG is thought to play a key role in assembly of the sperm tail, and the reproductive phenotype of PACRG -deficient mice mirrors that of the MEIG1-mutant mice.
"We discovered that MEIG1 is essential for male fertility. Moreover, our findings reveal a critical role for the MEIG1/PACRG partnership in the function of a structure that is unique to sperm, the manchette. The absence of a normal manchette in mice lacking MEIG1 totally disrupts the maturation process of sperm," said Strauss.
"In addition to having an impact on fertility, the discovery identifies a new target for drug discovery for a much needed reversible male method of contraception," he said.
This work was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health.
Strauss and Zhang, who are affiliate faculty members in the VCU Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, collaborated with VCU researchers Xuening Shen, M.D., and David R. Gude, Ph.D. Also contributing to this work were Bonney M. Wilkinson, Ph.D., and Monica J. Justice, Ph.D., from the Baylor College of Medicine; Charles J. Flickinger, Ph.D., and John C. Herr, Ph.D., with the University of Virginia; and Edward M. Eddy, Ph.D., with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Male Infertility Current Events and Male Infertility News RSSFor young boys with cancer, testicular tissue banking may be option to preserve fertility
For parents of children with cancer, the hopeful news is that pediatric survival rates have steadily improved for decades. Among the bad news-treatments that enable survival often cause infertility.
New insight into human ciliopathy
In the September 1st issue of G&D, Dr. Karen Oegema (UCSD) and colleagues identify the molecular basis of the lethal developmental disorder, hydrolethalus syndrome, and reveal that hydrolethalus syndrome actually belongs to the emerging class of human ciliopathy diseases.
Unlocking the key to human fertility
Scientists at Leeds and Bradford have discovered a unique 'DNA signature' in human sperm, which may act as a key that unlocks an egg's fertility and triggers new life.
Hypospadias, a birth defect of the male urethra, is not increasing in New York state
In recent decades, there have been periodic reports of a worldwide decline in sperm count and quality.
Small RNAs can play critical roles in male infertility/contraception
University of Nevada School of Medicine scientists in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology have discovered insight into the reproductive workings of the male sex chromosome that may have significant implications for male infertility and contraception.
Marijuana use linked to increased risk of testicular cancer
Frequent and/or long-term marijuana use may significantly increase a man's risk of developing the most aggressive type of testicular cancer, according to a study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The study results were published online Feb. 9 in the journal Cancer.
ossible drug target for obesity treatment a no-brainer: UNC study
Scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine have discovered a gene that when mutated causes obesity by dampening the body's ability to burn energy while leaving appetite unaffected.
Testes stem cell can change into other body tissues, Stanford/UCSF study shows
Scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine and at UC-San Francisco have succeeded in isolating stem cells from human testes.
Proteins in sperm unlock understanding of male infertility says new study
Proteins found in sperm are central to understanding male infertility and could be used to determine new diagnostic methods and fertility treatments according to a paper published by the journal Molecular and Cellular Proteomics (MCP).
Minimally invasive treatment improves male fertility
A minimally invasive treatment for a common cause of male infertility can significantly improve a couple's chances for pregnancy, according to a new study published in the August issue of Radiology.
More Male Infertility Current Events and Male Infertility News Articles
 |
Overcoming Male Infertility by Leslie R. Schover (Author), Anthony J. Thomas Jr. (Author) Hope and strategies for couples dealing with male infertility If you or your partner is suffering from male infertility, you’re not alone. Millions of couples are struggling with this problem. About 400f these couples have exclusively male infertility problems, while another 20% have both male and female infertility problems. Now, two leading experts, a urologist specializing in male infertility and a psychologist, team up to write the most complete guide available on male infertility. From the latest, state-of-the-art treatments to advice on how to handle the emotional aspects of male infertility, you’ll find out where to get the help you need. Overcoming Male Infertility also covers the psychological issues that are unique to men, and gives advice to women on helping their man... |
 |
FertilAid for Men: Male Fertility Supplement by Fairhaven Health, LLC FertilAid for Men is the nutritional supplement designed to improve sperm quality, sperm count, and sperm motility. It features a potent, proprietary blend of key antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals - as well as the amino-acid L-Carnitine. Formulated by fertility-specialist Amos Grunebaum, MD, these ingredients have been scientifically demonstrated to enhance male fertility and improve overall reproductive health. |
 |
Infertility in the Male by Larry I. Lipshultz (Editor), Stuart S. Howards (Editor), Craig S. Niederberger (Editor) The new edition of this canonical text on male reproductive medicine will cement the book's market-leading position. Practitioners across many specialties - including urologists, gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, medical endocrinologists and many in internal medicine and family practice - will see men with suboptimal fertility and reproductive problems. The book provides an excellent source of timely, well-considered information for those training in this young and rapidly evolving field. While several recent books provide targeted 'cookbooks' for those in a male reproductive laboratory, or quick reference for practising generalists, the modern, comprehensive reference providing both a background for male reproductive medicine as well as clinical practice information based on... |
 |
Male Infertility--Men Talking by Mary-Clai Mason (Author) Explores the past and present medical management of male infertility and allows men to tell their own stories of what it feels like to be infertile. |
 |
PreConceive: A Male Fertility Sperm Test by Embryotech Could low sperm concentration be hindering your ability to conceive? Find out in the privacy of your own home with the PreConceive Male Fertility Test. The PreConceive Fertility Test is an easy-to-use screening test to measure your sperm concentration. The test determines whether your sperm concentration is above or below 20 million sperm cells per milliliter. Two test results with sperm concentration less than 20 million/mL can alert you to possible male fertility issues. The FertilMARQ Home Test works by staining the cells in a sperm sample to produce a color. The intensity of this color is then compared to a color reference on the FertilMARQ test cassette. The color comparison will tell you whether the sperm concentration in the test sample is above or below 20 million/mL. You can... |
 |
What to Do When You Can't Get Pregnant: The Complete Guide to All the Technologies for Couples Facing Fertility Problems by Daniel A. Potter (Author), Jennifer S. Hanin (Author) The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need to Solve Your Fertility Problems Having a baby is the most natural thing we do in life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. So where do you turn when, after months or even years of trying, you just can’t get pregnant? In What to Do When You Can’t Get Pregnant, world-renowned fertility expert Dr. Daniel A. Potter and Jennifer S. Hanin, both fertility patients themselves, offer a step-by-step guide to the intricate process of having a baby using the latest in reproductive technologies. They share insider information on all the important issues and offer essential advice to help you: • Find a fertility doctor in your area and ensure he’s a good match for you • Understand every available procedure and choose the one that best suits you... |
 |
Male Infertility: Diagnosis and Treatment by Thinus F. Kruger (Editor), Sergio Oehninger (Editor) Male factor infertility is a common problem in reproductive medicine and can have a significant effect of the outcome of IVF treatment. This comprehensive book covers the diagnosis and treatment of male factor infertility in depth. It opens with a section on the basic science underlying the production of male gametes. There is then a major section on diagnosis that will prove very useful to a wide range of andrologists, endocrinologists, and REIs faced with unpicking the problems facing infertile couples. The final section addresses management of the subfertile male, including endocrinologic, surgical, and ART interventions. The book is authored by a prestigious, international team of contributors. |
 |
Pre Conceive Plus Male Fertility Test by Lake Consumer The Pre Conceive Plus Male Fertility Test is an easy-to-use home test kit to measure your sperm concentration. It is the #1 Home FDA Approved Test for determining a male fertility condition. The test determines whether your sperm concentration is above or below 20 million sperm cells per milliliter (million/mL). Two test results with sperm concentration of less than 20 million/mL can alert you to possible male fertility issues. The Pre Conceive Plus Male Fertility Test works by staining the cells in a sperm sample to produce a color. The intensity of this color is then compared to a color reference on the FertilMARQ test cassette. The color comparison will tell you whether the sperm concentration in the test sample is above 20 million/mL (a positive test) or below 20 million/mL (a... |
 |
Experiencing Infertility: An Essential Resource by Peoples Debbie (Author), Debby Peoples (Author), Harriette Rovner Ferguson (Author) One of every six couples in America is experiencing infertility, a devastating crisis that affects men and women individually and as a couple. This comforting and informative book addresses the medical, financial, and emotional issues that couples must work through while resolving their infertility. Written in a question-and-answer format, this sympathetic book offers practical advice on how to contend with the emotional ups and downs of infertility-from learning how to communicate feelings more effectively to coping with the losses of failed treatments or miscarriages. Warm and practical, the book is divided into twelve chapters, grouped according to the four stages involved in resolving infertility: crisis, acceptance, resolution and epilogue. Addressing the crisis phase are chapters on... |
 |
Pregnancy Wishes & IVF Dreams: A Story & Lessons About Life, Love & Infertility by Kelley R. Taylor (Author) Once upon a time, equipped with a solid marriage, driven careers, and a recently finished basement, my husband and I were ready to start a family. Like many 30-something couples, we thought it would be easy. Unfortunately, after nearly 18 months of doing things "the old fashioned way," my husband was diagnosed with a latent birth defect. It rendered us virtually infertile, not to mention devastated and confused. The remarkable thing about confusion is that it can spur knowledge and strength. Infertility did just that for us. We moved forward to try to have a child with the help of science and technology. Before we could blink, we were in the midst of monumental efforts to finance our baby-making venture, ordering medications on the Internet, and undergoing multiple,... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |