Genetic research from the Freiman Laboratory found that TAF4b, a protein coded for sperm production in mice can affect the development of fertility in human males as well. The researchers linked their study to another study published last year of four infertile brother from Turkey with a mutated TAF4b gene similar to the one created in the mice. Researchers found that the loss of TAF4b in male mice resulted in premature infertility due to a mutation and prevent mice from undergoing spermatogenesis after a few months of sexual maturity. Male mice whose TAF4B gene was manipulated through homologous recombination were only fertile for a month or two, while mice with unmanipulated TAF4B gene were fertile for many years. The unmanipulated gene allowed the first set of cells to undergo meiosis to become sperm, but the other set of cells develop to become stem cells. This lead to researchers to hypothesize that the mice were able to undergo the initial round of spermatogenesis, but were unable to make stem cell populations for long-term fertility. In the future, the researchers hope the study would be useful to in the advancement of stem cell research, helpful in early detection of male infertility, and developing new areas of intervention for fertility preservation.
This study can form new treatments to treat male infertility and help with future family planning as many couples are starting families or having children much later in their lives. It can change the way couples approach infertility and it can become a deciding factor in how soon or late a couple wants children.
Original Link: http://www.browndailyherald.com/2015/03/10/gene-found-drive-fertility-male-mice/
Related Link: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-infertility/basics/definition/con-20033113
This is such a fascinating article. I remember in genetics learning about introns. And it makes me think why something so devastating as the TAF4b genes can't be eliminated from the gene sequence. Or maybe it is and the case with the four infertile brothers in Turkey was a mutation of some sorts. This research is also interesting in its application towards sperm cell studies. I wonder what form of treatment scientists will develop to combat this genetic problem.
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