Liu Mofang (r) from the Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology observes mice in a lab. -- Ti Gong

LOCAL scientists are the first in the world to detect the mutations of one gene called Piwi is responsible for some men’s infertility, as the mutation can result in an extreme reduction of sperm quantity and the loss of sperm’s vitality. Scientists also found the measure to recover sperm’s vitality in animal experiments.

The discovery can help clinical specialists to study the treatment for human’s infertility.

It was published by world-leading journal Cell today and received high recognition in international science field.

The infertility is rising in the world and the reduced sperm quality is one of the leading causes.

Researchers found men in many countries suffered a drop of sperm quantity and quality in the past years. In China, it dropped by almost 30 percent since 1983. However, the reason and mechanism of sperm problems remained largely unknown, restricting clinical diagnosis and treatment.

A team led by Liu Mofang from the Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, spent years to study the subject. They targeted Piwi, a gene mainly on male’s reproductive cells. Through studying the mouse, they found that mutations in the D-box element on Piwi can result in male mouse’s fertility.

They also found similar condition on human with such mutations and confirmed that the gene problem is one of the genetic reasons for male’s infertility.

In addition to locate the mutated gene, Liu’s team also found out the mechanism of the mutations and successfully treated the problem in laboratory on mouse. “By blocking the effect of the mutations, mouse’s sperm regains vitality,” she said. “The solution can provide a new solution to the treatment of human in clinical practice.” (Shanghai Daily)