The World Authority For Unbiased Longevity News™️

Subscribe Today!

Our Mission: SuperAging™
(n.) Using new medical science and biohacking to slow down the aging process, repair existing damage and live a dramatically longer life in peak physical and mental health.

Credit: https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/Penn-Vet-newly-identified-stem-cell-regulator-enables-lifelong-sperm-production

A Newly Discovered Genetic Factor May Impact Sperm Count

June 23, 2022

  • Researchers at the Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine identified a new genetic sequence called DOT1L as a factor in sperm production.
  • Spermatogonial stem cells lacking this gene factor could not produce healthy sperm.
  • Identifying the genetic pathway of DOT1L opens up new avenues for research into male infertility.
Spermatogonial stem cells are necessary to produce sperm. These stem cells must be constantly renewed across a male’s life. The renewal process offers important clues to how cells can regenerate and continuously develop. Recent research conducted by Dr. Jeremy Wang at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine identified a stem cell renewal factor called DOT1L. DOT1L is the name for a specific genotype or sequence of genes. When researching mice, scientists found that mice could only produce spermatogonial stem cells if their genes contained DOT1L. Wang described the results of this research as a significant step towards understanding the biology of adult germline stem cells. Dr. Wang hypothesized that as research into stem cell genetic factors continues, scientists might one day be able to develop germline stem cells from other cells in the body. One day, it may be possible for men who are unable to produce sperm to have the condition treated. Doctors may be able to use DOT1L and other stem cell gene factors to reprogram different types of cells, such as those in a patient’s skin, and turn them into sperm cells.   Researchers determined that mice born without DOT1L could not produce sperm, quickly exhausting their spermatogonial stem cells. The researchers then wondered if a healthy mouse, born with an intact DOT1L gene, would show the same effects if the DOT1L gene were damaged while the mouse was alive. Interestingly, as soon as the mouse’s spermatogonial stem cells had their DOT1L gene deactivated, the stem cells showed the same exhaustion and dysfunction as mice born without DOT1L. Previous research into DOT1L described its biochemical function. DOT1L codes for histone methyltransferase, an enzyme that adds a methyl group to histones, modifying the expression of the genes. If the enzyme is absent, a genetic group known as HoxC goes unmethylated. Dr. Wang and his team confirmed that HoxC without an added methyl group produces spermatological stem cells incapable of producing sperm. Through his research, Dr. Wang has identified an important factor that impacts human sperm production and provides a path to treatment for conditions that result in a low sperm count.  Credit: https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/Penn-Vet-newly-identified-stem-cell-regulator-enables-lifelong-sperm-production 

References: https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/Penn-Vet-newly-identified-stem-cell-regulator-enables-lifelong-sperm-production

Share Your Thoughts

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright © 2022 LongevityAge