Researchers Restore Fertility in Mouse Model of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia
An international research team led by Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Osaka has found a way to resume sperm production, leading to healthy offspring in mouse models with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA).
Non-obstructive azoospermia is a condition where sperm are not present due to a failure in sperm production. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could point to a new way to therapeutically treat men and reverse their genetic infertility due to similar conditions.
Role of PDHA2 in Sperm Production
The gene PDHA2 is required to complete meiosis, a cell division process that is essential for fertility. Men with genetic defects in meiosis-related genes, such as PDHA2, cannot produce mature sperm.
The findings could lead to a new way to therapeutically treat men and reverse their genetic infertility.
Author's summary: Researchers restore fertility in a mouse model.