Mouse study gives clues to infertility

Researchers in Poland have identified, in genetically altered mice, the critical role of a group of genes in the development of egg and sperm cells.

Researchers at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), an EARA member, focused on the Tent5 gene family, already found to be essential for formation of sex cells.

They genetically engineered the mice to carry several mutations in the Tent5 genes to study how these genes affected the development of egg and sperm cells.

The team showed that Tent5b, Tent5c, and Tent5d genes are vital for egg cell formation, sperm development, and early sperm maturation, respectively, showing they are all essential for successful fertilisation.

Michał Brouze, one of the lead researchers at IMCB said: “Our findings may go beyond laboratories and form a foundation for future infertility treatments.”

Infertility affects one in six people globally, and although its mechanisms are complex and poorly understood, advances in molecular biology are helping to clarify the process. The study is published in Nature Communications.