Protein discovery decides to conceive successfully

Scientists have discovered a key protein in eggs, which helps sperm to fertilize successfully, creating new life. This breakthrough raises hope for a new, better treatment for infertile women.

According to British researchers, on the surface of eggs a protein exists that plays an essential role in fertility. Nicknamed "Juno" , named after the Roman marriage and fertility goddess, this protein "mates" with a copper protein on the sperm surface at the time of fertilization.

Without Juno, eggs and sperm cannot connect to create new life, meaning that fertilization fails.

Expert Gavin Wright of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (UK) stated: " We have deciphered a long-standing mystery in biology by identifying the molecules expressed in every egg and sperm, binding them. If we do not have this essential interaction, fertilization cannot happen, we can use this discovery to improve the methods of assisted reproduction and delivery. developing new contraceptive methods ".

The mating between 2 proteins on the surface of sperm and eggs helps successful fertilization.(Photo: Corbi)

Since 2005, when researchers discovered a key protein located in the sperm's head, they continued to search for proteins that have a similar role in eggs. The team of experts from the Sanger Institute created an artificial version of the sperm protein and used it to track down the egg version.

After finding Juno, the researchers conducted a series of tests to prove that it was necessary for fertilization. The important thing is, mice that can't create Juno seem perfectly healthy, but infertile. Although female mice still produce eggs, sperm cannot be combined with these eggs, according to a study report in Nature.

Tests also revealed that Juno was quickly removed from the surface of eggs after fertilization. This is to ensure that only sperm is associated with eggs and increases the rate of successful conception.

The team identified a similar protein in female mice that also exists on women's egg surfaces, and defects in this protein may explain why some couples cannot have children. Infertility is an increasing problem, especially in Western countries. Statistics show that 20% of infertility cases have an unclear cause.

If the discovery is validated, women with the "faulty" Juno protein can be treated with ICSI , a special in vitro fertilization, in which sperm is pumped directly into the egg. The process will bypass the faulty protein on the surface and may allow female owners to fulfill their desire to be mothers.

The discovery could also be used to create new birth control pills. Because they do not rely on hormones, they may not cause changes in mood, acne and other unpleasant side effects in users like current contraceptives.