Closer to a solution for male infertility
Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are environmental contaminants which act often by deregulating gene expression with varied effects. The reproductive system is a key target of the EDs and therefore further investigation on ED effects on genetic makeup and gonad development has been considered imperative. The EC-funded GENDISRURT project studied the effects of EDs on gene expression in the human reproductive system. The project also examined the potential impact of EDs on male infertility and its links to specific genetic loci. Specifically, project partner Neocodex SL, examined the links between the ESR1 gene and male infertility. The implication had been that the link was indicative of a mutation or a genomic rearrangement event. Further research provided proof that male infertility was indeed attributed to the interaction of several mutated genes. Pinpointing the location of these mutations in this and other genes could prove an important step forward towards elucidating the causes of male infertility and eventually curing it.
