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Researchers in the UK have identified a vital gene essential forsperm development that could pave the way for a new type of malecontraceptive. The study is published in the journal PLoS Genetics. At present, male contraceptives disrupt the production of hormones,such as testosterone, and can cause adverse effects including acne , irritability and mood swings. Now, researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found that agene named Katnal1, is vital to allow sperm to mature in thetestes. According to the researchers if Katnal1 can be regulated to preventsperm from maturing in the testes, it could be developed as newmale contraceptive without altering hormone levels. Furthermore, the gene could also help researchers develop newtreatments for cases of male infertility when a defect in the Katnal1 gene hampers the development ofsperm. After removing the Katnal1 gene in male mice, the team found theywere infertile. This was because the gene was needed in order toallow the sperm to develop and mature. According to the researchers, the gene was required to controlmicrotubules. Microtubules form part of the cells that support andprovide nutrients to developing sperm and enables the sperm to movewithin the testes as they mature. This process is regulated by theKatnal 1 gene. Dr Lee Smith, Reader in Genetic Endocrinology at the University ofEdinburgh's Center for Reproductive Health, explained: "If we can find a way to target this gene in the tests, we couldpotentially develop a non-hormonal contraceptive. The important thing is that the effects of such a drug would bereversible because Katnal1 only affects sperm cells in the laterstages of development, so it would not hinder the early states ofsperm production and the overall ability to produce sperm. Although other research is being carried out into non-hormonal malecontraceptives, identification of a gene that controls spermproduction in the way Katnal1 does is a unique and significant stepforward in our understanding of testis biology." Written By Grace Rattue Copyright: Medical News Today Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today Additional References Citations. We are high quality suppliers, our products such as China Plastic Injection Moulds , China Plastic Bottle Mold for oversee buyer. To know more, please visits Injection Molded Plastic Parts.
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