Scientists discover gene with potential to develop male contraception

A new study conducted by researchers at Washington State University (WSU), in the United States, has identified the expression of a gene with the potential to develop male contraception. Called Arrdc5, the gene can be found in the testicular tissue of several mammals, such as mice, cattle and humans.

The results obtained through an assay indicate that the deletion of the gene in mice caused infertility only in males, impairing the shape, count and mobility of the sperm. The data were published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.

“The study identifies this gene for the first time as being expressed only in testicular tissue, nowhere else in the body, and is expressed by several mammalian species. When this gene is inactivated or inhibited in males, they produce sperm that cannot fertilize an egg, and this is the main target for the development of male contraceptives.,” explained Jon Oatley, senior author and professor in WSU’s School of Molecular Biosciences.

According to the study carried out by WSU, normal sperm production requires the protein encoded by the Arrdc5 gene. The researchers also point out that the absence of the gene is responsible for causing oligoasthenoteratospermia, a condition characterized by a drop in production, distortion in the shape and reduction in sperm motility, making them unable to fertilize an egg.

In the research, it was found that male mice that did not have the gene produced 28% less sperm, 2.8 times slower and with approximately 98% carrying abnormal heads and midparts.

_{According to the latest study released by the United Nations (UN), 48% of pregnancies in the world are unwanted (Photo: Reproduction / Pixabay)}

the medicine

The development of a medicine that interrupts the production or function of this protein would not require any hormonal interference – the main factor that prevents male contraception, since testosterone does not act exclusively in the production of sperm, but also participates in the construction of bone mass and production of red blood cells.

“You don’t want to end up with the ability to produce sperm, just prevent the sperm being produced from being produced properly.Oatley explained. “So, in theory, you could remove the drug and sperm would start to form normally again.”.

Despite the potential for the development of male contraception for livestock use, the scientist says that the primary focus of the research is to create a drug that allows to increase human birth control.

“Developing a way to contain population growth and stop unwanted pregnancies from arising is really important for the future of the human race. At the moment, we don’t really have anything on the male side of contraception other than surgery, and only a small percentage of men choose a vasectomy. If we can develop this discovery into a solution for contraception, it could have far-reaching impacts.”, concluded Oatley.

Featured Photo: Reproduction/Pixabay