Is A Non-Hormonal Male Contraceptive Feasible? Probably

Is A Non-Hormonal Male Contraceptive Feasible? Probably

Editor's Choice
Main Category: Sexual Health / STDs
Also Included In: Men's Health
Article Date: 24 May 2012 - 15:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions   <!-- rate article
Patient / Public:

Healthcare Prof:

Researchers in the UK have identified a vital gene essential for sperm development that could pave the way for a new type of male contraceptive. The study is published in the journalPLoS Genetics.

At present, male contraceptives disrupt the production of hormones, such as testosterone, and can cause adverse effects including acne, irritability and mood swings.

Now, researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found that a gene named Katnal1, is vital to allow sperm to mature in the testes.

According to the researchers if Katnal1 can be regulated to prevent sperm from maturing in the testes, it could be developed as new male contraceptive without altering hormone levels.

Furthermore, the gene could also help researchers develop new treatments for cases of male infertility when a defect in the Katnal1 gene hampers the development of sperm.

After removing the Katnal1 gene in male mice, the team found they were infertile. This was because the gene was needed in order to allow the sperm to develop and mature.

According to the researchers, the gene was required to control microtubules. Microtubules form part of the cells that support and provide nutrients to developing sperm and enables the sperm to move within the testes as they mature. This process is regulated by the Katnal 1 gene.

Dr Lee Smith, Reader in Genetic Endocrinology at the University of Edinburgh's Center for Reproductive Health, explained:

"If we can find a way to target this gene in the tests, we could potentially develop a non-hormonal contraceptive.

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 states 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 a unique and significant step forward in our understanding of testis biology."

Written By Grace Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

• Additional
• References
• Citations

"KATNAL1 Regulation of Sertoli Cell Microtubule Dynamics Is Essential for Spermiogenesis and Male Fertility"
Lee B. Smith, Laura Milne, Nancy Nelson, Sharon Eddie, Pamela Brown, Nina Atanassova, Moira K. O'Bryan, Liza O'Donnell, Danielle Rhodes, Sara Wells, Diane Napper, Patrick Nolan, Zuzanna Lalanne, Michael Cheeseman, Josephine Peters
PLoS Genetics, May 2012, 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002697 Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

MLA

---

APA

---

Please note: If no author information is provided, the source is cited instead.

---

Add Your Opinion On This Article

'Is A Non-Hormonal Male Contraceptive Feasible? Probably'

Please note that we publish your name, but we do not publish your email address. It is only used to let you know when your message is published. We do not use it for any other purpose. Please see our privacy policy for more information.

If you write about specific medications or operations, please do not name health care professionals by name.

All opinions are moderated before being included (to stop spam)

Contact Our News Editors

For any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form.

Please send any medical news or health news press releases to:

Note: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. For more information, please read our terms and conditions.

Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions

MediLexicon International Ltd
Bexhill-on-Sea, United Kingdom
MediLexicon International Ltd © 2004-2012 All rights reserved.
MNT (logo) is the registered EU trade mark of MediLexicon Int. Limited.

back to top | home | privacy policy

MediLexicon International Ltd
Bexhill-on-Sea, United Kingdom
MediLexicon International Ltd © 2004-2012 All rights reserved.
MNT (logo) is the registered EU trade mark of MediLexicon Int. Limited.