Scientists have found the "infertility gene"

Japanese scientists from Kumamoto and Kyoto universities have discovered a gene that stimulates the processes of cell division reduction. When this gene was neutralized, rodents, regardless of gender, became infertile.

The vast majority of cellular structures in the body are capable of reproducing by indirect division, the so-called mitosis process. This is a continuous cycle that occurs with the doubling of genetic information. The cell splits into two, creating equivalent copies. As for the sex cells, in particular, sperm and eggs, they are formed by a special form of reduction division, which is called meiosis. This division occurs in the gonads.

The beginning of meiosis is unremarkable, as it proceeds as a regular mitosis. However, the process is soon transformed, creating four genetically distinct embryonic structures that have 50% of the genetic material of the primary cell. What mechanisms are involved in this transformation? This question has long interested scientists, as it is associated with many medical problems related to the reproductive sphere.

In their experiment, the scientists used mass-spectrometry analysis, which allowed them to identify a specific gene, meiosin, which acts like a switch. Meiosin has a unique ability to "switch on" only at a certain moment - immediately before the meiosis process starts in the gonads. Experimentally, the scientists were able to discover that after "switching off" meiosin, the animals became sterile.

A subsequent study of the gonads of both male and female rodents showed that the gene was closely linked to the activation of meiosis. Its function was like a "toggle switch" because it simultaneously activated a huge number of genes that formed germ cells.

The researchers suggest that the results of the experiment are very important for the further advancement of reproductive science.

"We were very surprised when we discovered such a large number of genes with an unknown functional orientation. These genes are dormant, but are very important for the reproduction process," says co-author of the research paper, a representative of the Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics at Kumamoto University, Dr. Ishiguro. "We can only hope that determining the properties of such genes will help us understand the mechanisms involved in the formation of embryos. And if we manage to establish control over meiosis, this will be a huge success for both reproductive science and agriculture and the reproduction of endangered species of the animal world."

Details of the study are described in the scientific journal Developmental Cell