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25 May 2012 Last updated at 03:04 GMT BBC News
Gene Discovery May Lead To Male Contraceptive
It may be possible to develop a new male contraceptive pill after researchers in Edinburgh identified a gene critical
for the production of healthy sperm.
Experiments in mice found that the gene, Katnal1, was vital for the final stages of making sperm. The authors of a
study in PLos Genetics said a drug which interrupts Katnal1 could be a reversible
contraceptive.
A fertility expert said there was "certainly a need" for such a drug. Contraception in men is largely down to condoms
or a vasectomy.
<a href="http://s1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/?action=view&current=_60456207_c0126522-human_sperm_sem_x2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/_60456207_c0126522-human_sperm_sem_x2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Researchers at the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh were investigating the causes of
male infertility.
They randomly altered the genetic code of mice to see which became infertile. They then traced the mutations which
led to infertility, which led them to Katnal1.
"If we can find a way to target this gene in the testes, we could potentially develop a non-hormonal contraceptive”
Dr Lee Smith University of Edinburgh. It contains the blueprints for a protein which is important in cells which support
the development of sperm. Without the protein, sperm do not fully form and the body disposes of them.
Scientists hope they will be able to perform a similar trick in humans to stop sperm developing, without causing lasting
damage.
Gene Discovery May Lead To Male Contraceptive
It may be possible to develop a new male contraceptive pill after researchers in Edinburgh identified a gene critical
for the production of healthy sperm.
Experiments in mice found that the gene, Katnal1, was vital for the final stages of making sperm. The authors of a
study in PLos Genetics said a drug which interrupts Katnal1 could be a reversible
contraceptive.
A fertility expert said there was "certainly a need" for such a drug. Contraception in men is largely down to condoms
or a vasectomy.
<a href="http://s1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/?action=view&current=_60456207_c0126522-human_sperm_sem_x2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1267.photobucket.com/albums/jj559/365Wildfire/_60456207_c0126522-human_sperm_sem_x2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Researchers at the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh were investigating the causes of
male infertility.
They randomly altered the genetic code of mice to see which became infertile. They then traced the mutations which
led to infertility, which led them to Katnal1.
"If we can find a way to target this gene in the testes, we could potentially develop a non-hormonal contraceptive”
Dr Lee Smith University of Edinburgh. It contains the blueprints for a protein which is important in cells which support
the development of sperm. Without the protein, sperm do not fully form and the body disposes of them.
Scientists hope they will be able to perform a similar trick in humans to stop sperm developing, without causing lasting
damage.
