Cell Rep: Key genes for sperm production were discovered

In the results of the study published in Cell Reports on October 26, 2021, co-first authors Anna Heinrich, BS, Dr.
Bidur Bhandary, and senior author Tony De A team led by Dr.
Tony De Falco revealed a new situation where sperm production can go wrong when specific genes fail to function at the right time
.

"Learning more about the role of Cdc42 in the male reproductive system provides key information for using this gene as a potential biomarker for infertility or decreased testicular function," De Falco said
.

What are Sertoli cells?

The focus of this research is on the function of support cells
.

In experiments in a mouse model, the research team found that when the Cdc42 gene is missing or does not work properly, it destroys the polarity of supporting cells, which means that some supporting cells may attach to the vas deferens or be incorrectly positioned
.

Scientists also discovered that this interruption of sperm production occurs in mature adult testes, not in juvenile testes
.

Why is this discovery about supporting cells so important?

In the United States, nearly one in seven couples cannot have children
.

Directly trying to change the Cdc42 gene is unlikely to be an option, at least not in the short term
.

De Falco said: "It is difficult to specifically target this gene in the testis without affecting other organs, cell types or cell processes
.

"For these reasons, a very high standard must be set in regulating, testing and verifying the use of gene editing technology in human patients," De Falco said
.

It is more likely that this knowledge may support the development of better diagnostic tests to better determine the specific cause of male infertility
.

Peripheral nerve research provides inspiration

Although previous reproductive scientific research has questioned the role of Cdc42 in fertility, the team believes that collaboration with the laboratory of Dr.
Nancy Ratner, a neuro-oncologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, is advancing this A key step in the work
.

"Their laboratory has found that Cdc42 is necessary for peripheral neuron function, possibly by regulating cell polarity," De Falco said
.

Next step

De Falco's team plans to conduct further research to explore cell polarity failures in other types of cells related to male fertility
.

"For example, when germ cells differentiate into head-to-tail sperm, they are also very polarized cells
.

Journal Reference :

1. Anna Heinrich, Bidur Bhandary, Sarah J.
   Potter, Nancy Ratner, Tony DeFalco.
   Cdc42 activity in Sertoli cells is essential for maintenance of spermatogenesis .
   Cell Reports , 2021; 37 (4): 109885 DOI: 10.
   1016/j.
   celrep.
   2021.
   109885