Researchers at The University of Edinburgh found that a gene called ‘Katnal1’ is vital in enabling sperm to mature in the testes, according to a press release on May 24 from EurekAlert. These findings could lead to a non-hormonal contraceptive for men in the future.
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The conventional male contraceptives presently offered disrupt the production of the male hormone testosterone which can cause side effects such as mood swings, acne and irritability. A new non-hormonal treatment may also provide an alternative to the male birth control methods such as condoms and vasectomy. (Continue below ad)
Gene discovery points towards new type of male contraceptive
Study author Dr. Lee Smith, a reader in genetic endocrinology at the Medical Research Council Center for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, stated if scientists can target this specific gene in the testes, it is prospective a non-hormonal contraceptive can be developed.
“The important thing is that the effects of such a drug would be reversible because Katnal1 only affects sperm cells in the later stages of development, so it would not hinder the early stages of sperm production and the overall ability to produce sperm. Although other research is being carried out into non-hormonal male contraceptives, identification of a gene that controls sperm production in the way Katnal1 does is unique and a significant step forward in our understanding of testis biology.” EurekAlert
The research, which is published in the journal PLoS Genetics, may also assist family planning treatments for cases of male infertility.
