The dangerous spirit makes the 'spirit' numb

Scientists have discovered a special gene that can cause sperm to stop swimming, opening up hope for a new 'contraceptive' for men.

The team of Professor Moira O'Bryan of Monash University (Australia) found that experimental mice with faulty copies of the RABL2 gene produced sperm with a tail length of 17% shorter than normal. . As a result, they will be more difficult to swim, even if they cannot swim.

The mutant gene not only causes the tail of the sperm to break more
but also caused the number of newborn sperm to drop by half.

In addition, the gene RABL2 also causes the individual mouse to produce only half the sperm count compared to normal mice.

Speaking on the Telegraph, Professor Moira hopes this study will help scientists better understand the phenomenon of infertility in men as well as help develop an effective contraceptive.

'Because mobility is a key factor in fertility, it is likely that RABL2 gene mutation is the cause of infertility, a disease encountered in about 5% of men,' said Professor more.

RABL2 gene produces a 'transporting' protein called Intraflagellar . Can imagine Intraflagellar like a train. The faulty genes will make the train still run inside the sperm's tail, but they only carry fewer passengers (ie less genetic information). The end result is sperm formation and sperm motility are abnormal.

In the future, scientists can create a drug that helps reduce the amount of intraflagellar protein produced with male birth control. However, since this protein is also found (in low concentrations) in some other body parts such as the brain, lungs and liver, future drugs need to be clear of the scope of action.