Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
Health

Single gene mutation could lead to infertility

Darpan News Desk IANS, 09 Nov, 2014 10:20 AM
    Scientists have discovered that a single mutation in a gene could lead to infertility.
     
    Not through a disruption of the production of egg or sperm cells but rather by leading to abnormalities in the morphology of the sexual organs - making natural reproduction impossible.
     
    The beta-catenin gene codes a protein known to be deeply involved in a number of developmental and homeostatic processes. It is an essential protein, which has been shown in mice to be involved in the development and maintenance of most, if not all organs, throughout their lives.
     
    Normally, it is switched on at some points during development, but then is turned off when it is no longer appropriate.
     
    The team from the RIKEN BioResource Center (BRC) in Tsukuba, Japan, developed a mouse with a single mutation to the beta-catenin gene.
     
    They found the mice were not able to produce offspring through natural mating but were able to do so through in-vitro fertilisation, showing that the problem was caused by a structural problem rather than a problem with the eggs or sperm.
     
    "This research could help to deepen our understanding of infertility - a problem that troubles almost one in 10 couples today hoping to have a baby," said first study author Takuya Murata from RIKEN BRC.
     
    "This could lead to a path for the early detection and treatment based on the genetic diagnosis of the infertility," concluded Yoichi Gondo, who led the research group.

    MORE Health ARTICLES

    'Heart attacks not connected to family history'

    'Heart attacks not connected to family history'
    Researchers have found that heart attacks are not as connected to family history and genetics as may have been previously believed....

    'Heart attacks not connected to family history'

    'A sunny day could trigger a panic attack'

    'A sunny day could trigger a panic attack'
    "For example, in some people, fluorescent light can induce panic attacks. It had also been noted that people with panic disorder often protect themselves...

    'A sunny day could trigger a panic attack'

    How stress ups depression risk

    How stress ups depression risk
    The immune system is crucial to fend off diseases, but if it is hypersensitive to stress, the risk of depression may go up, says new research....

    How stress ups depression risk

    Toddlers may show signs of autism at 18 months

    Toddlers may show signs of autism at 18 months
    Younger siblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may show signs of the disorder by the time they are just 18 months, said a study....

    Toddlers may show signs of autism at 18 months

    Gene behind sweating disorder detected

    Gene behind sweating disorder detected
    Mutation of a single gene blocks sweat production leading to an increased risk of hyperthermia, also known as heatstroke, said a study....

    Gene behind sweating disorder detected

    Fresh cow's milk shields babies from infections

    Fresh cow's milk shields babies from infections
    One reason why children today seem to catch infections more easily may well be the increasing scarcity of fresh cow's milk, researchers have found....

    Fresh cow's milk shields babies from infections