Abstract
Developing a safe and effective male contraceptive remains a challenge in the field of medical science. Molecules that selectively target the male reproductive tract and whose targets are indispensable for male reproductive function serve among the best candidates for a novel non-hormonal male contraceptive method. To determine the function of these genes in vivo, mutant mice carrying disrupted testis- or epididymis-enriched genes were generated by zygote microinjection or electroporation of the CRISPR/Cas9 components. Male fecundity was determined by consecutively pairing knockout males with wild-type females and comparing the fecundity of wild-type controls. Phenotypic analyses of testis appearance and weight, testis and epididymis histology, and sperm movement were further carried out to examine any potential spermatogenic or sperm maturation defect in mutant males. In this study, we uncovered 13 testis- or epididymis-enriched evolutionarily conserved genes that are individually dispensable for male fertility in mice. Owing to their dispensable nature, it is not feasible to use these targets for the development of a male contraceptive.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
