RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say they've identified a gene linked to sperm production that may contribute to male infertility and lead to new male contraception advances.
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine researchers said their study found male mice lacking a protein called meiosis expressed as gene 1, or MEIG1, were sterile as a result of impaired spermiogenesis -- the process that involves the production of viable sperm.
The research team, led by Dr. Jerome Strauss III and Assistant Professor Zhibing Zhang, found the gene is essential for male fertility. In addition to having an impact on fertility, the scientists said their study identifies a new target for drug discovery for a much needed reversible male method of contraception.
The research is reported in the early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
