A crutch for a disabled sperm

Protein helped defective sperm fertilize female eggs – scientists

RIA NewsBritish biologists were able to fertilize female eggs using defective spermatozoa by adding the protein PLCz, which is missing in sperm, necessary for the fusion of male and female germ cells, to a test tube with cells, according to an article published in the journal Fertility and Sterility (Phospholipase C-zeta rescues failed oocyte activation in a prototype of male factor infertility; a popular retelling “Kick-starting” male fertility is published on the website of Cardiff University – VM).

"We know that some men suffer from infertility due to the fact that their sperm cannot "activate" the eggs. In particular, their spermatozoa can attach to the surface of eggs, but nothing happens due to the fact that these cells lack full-fledged PLCz molecules that are critical for the next steps in the development of pregnancy," explained Tony Lai, head of the biologists group from Cardiff University (UK).

Lai and his colleagues have been studying the problems of male infertility for quite a long time, experimenting with sperm and egg cells of animals. Earlier, they found that some mice suffered from infertility because their sperm lacked the PLCz protein. Further studies have shown that this substance is necessary for the initialization of special mechanisms in the egg, preparing it for fusion with the sperm.

In the new work, biologists tried to revive defective male sperm using PLCz molecules injected into female eggs and into the saline solution surrounding them.

"We were able to prepare an activated version of the PLCz protein in our laboratory. If this protein is inactive or absent in the sperm, it cannot start the processes necessary for the activation of the egg and the subsequent development of the embryo," Lai continued.

According to biologists, this technique allowed defective sperm to attach to their surface, transfer genetic material and start the process of embryo development.

Of course, such a method of fertilization can be used for medical purposes only in in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, the discovery of this protein gives new hope to couples who cannot conceive children due to the lack of PLCz in sperm.

"So far, this is just a laboratory experiment, the methodology of which cannot be transferred to the practice of clinics for infertility patients. In the future, we will be able to produce human protein PLCz and use it to stimulate eggs naturally. It will seriously improve the chances of procreation and treatment of male infertility in couples who decide to resort to in vitro fertilization," Lai concludes.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru27.09.2012