A team of scientists at Iowa State University has discovered a potential genetic link to male infertility. Their research focuses on a gene found in every cell of the body, known for its essential role in basic cell function. This new finding could open the door to better understanding and treating infertility in men.
A Housekeeping Gene With a Hidden Role
The gene in question is called the survival motor neuron (SMN) gene. It’s a “housekeeping” gene, meaning it is needed for the survival and normal function of all cells in the body. Until now, researchers primarily associated problems with this gene with neurological disorders, including spinal muscular atrophy.
But Professor Ravindra Singh, a biomedical sciences expert at Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and his research team have found that SMN may also play an unexpected role in male reproductive health.
The Study and Its Surprising Results
Singh’s laboratory conducted a genome-wide study using mice that had lower-than-normal levels of the SMN gene. They found a clear connection between low SMN levels and smaller testicular size, as well as reduced sperm counts.
“Mice with deficient levels of the gene had lower sperm count and more instances of infertility,” Singh explained. “Every cell in the body needs housekeeping genes for normal function. Our findings seem to reveal a new role for SMN in the development of the testes.”
These results suggest that SMN may affect fertility, adding it to a small group of genes suspected to be involved in male infertility.
A Rare Genetic Connection
Currently, scientists have linked only about six genes in the human genome to male infertility. Singh believes SMN could be a new addition to that short list. However, he emphasizes the need for caution. Since the research was conducted on mice, further studies on humans will be required to confirm these findings.
“About 5 percent of men struggle with infertility,” Singh said. “But we still know very little about how genetics plays a part. If SMN turns out to be important in humans as well, it could change how we look at infertility in men.”
Gender-Specific Effects of SMN Deficiency
Another interesting part of the research is the difference in how SMN deficiency affects males and females. Singh believes this could lead to more personalized medical treatments in the future, where doctors consider a patient’s sex when designing therapies.
This is especially important because SMN-targeted therapies are already being developed for spinal muscular atrophy and other conditions. Understanding how SMN behaves differently in men and women could improve these treatments.
What’s Next for the Research
Singh’s team plans to continue studying how early in life SMN deficiency begins to influence testicular development. They also want to identify which specific cells in the testes are affected by the lack of SMN.
This research is part of a growing field that aims to combine genetics with personalized medicine.
“We’re heading toward an age of molecular medicine,” Singh said. “What mutations you carry might one day determine which treatments will work best for you.”
Summary
Scientists at Iowa State University have found that a gene critical for basic cell function may also play a key role in male fertility. The SMN gene, known for its link to spinal muscular atrophy, could influence sperm production and testicular development. This discovery could lead to new treatments for infertility and highlights the importance of personalized medicine based on individual genetic profiles. Further research in humans is needed to confirm these promising findings.
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