Is A Non-Hormonal Male Contraceptive Feasible? Probably

Researchers in the UK have identified a vital gene essential for sperm development that could pave the way for a new type of male contraceptive. The study is published in the journalPLoS Genetics.

At present, male contraceptives disrupt the production of hormones, such as testosterone, and can cause adverse effects including acne, irritability and mood swings.

Now, researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found that a gene named Katnal1, is vital to allow sperm to mature in the testes.

According to the researchers if Katnal1 can be regulated to prevent sperm from maturing in the testes, it could be developed as new male contraceptive without altering hormone levels.

Furthermore, the gene could also help researchers develop new treatments for cases of male infertility when a defect in the Katnal1 gene hampers the development of sperm.

After removing the Katnal1 gene in male mice, the team found they were infertile. This was because the gene was needed in order to allow the sperm to develop and mature.

According to the researchers, the gene was required to control microtubules. Microtubules form part of the cells that support and provide nutrients to developing sperm and enables the sperm to move within the testes as they mature. This process is regulated by the Katnal 1 gene.

Dr Lee Smith, Reader in Genetic Endocrinology at the University of Edinburgh’s Center for Reproductive Health, explained:

“If we can find a way to target this gene in the tests, we could potentially develop a non-hormonal contraceptive.

The important thing is that the effects of such a drug would be reversible because Katnal1 only affects sperm cells in the later stages of development, so it would not hinder the early states of sperm production and the overall ability to produce sperm.

Although other research is being carried out into non-hormonal male contraceptives, identification of a gene that controls sperm production in the way Katnal1 does is a unique and significant step forward in our understanding of testis biology.”

Written By Grace Rattue