A fundamental protein for male fertility has been discovered, without which spermatozoa remain immature and unable to move. Identified in an article in the journal Science, the protein is called 'NELL2' and ensures the correct maturation of the sperm inside the "epididymis", a convoluted and long tube that guides the sperm to the ducts that will take them outside.
The study is the result of international collaboration and has been coordinated by experts from the Baylor College of Medicine and could help research against infertility that affects one in 7 men of reproductive age to varying degrees in the world. Experts have knocked out the gene for the NELL2 protein in the testicles of mice and since this renders animals sterile, and their sperm immature and unable to move.
By restoring the function of NELL2, fertility is restored. According to the authors of the work, this discovery has important application implications both in the diagnostic and therapeutic field in male infertility and may help the development of male contraceptives.
