Discovery of genes essential for male fertility using CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing technology

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K16735
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56030:Urology-related
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Lu Yonggang 大阪大学, 免疫学フロンティア研究センター, 特任助教(常勤) (00817033)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: Male reproduction / Sperm-egg fusion / Fertilization

Outline of Final Research Achievements

During the four-year funding period, the applicant has generated multiple knockout mouse lines lacking testis-specific genes and analyzed the resultant phenotype. This study demonstrates the feasibility and efficiency of using the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout strategy to identify genes essential for male reproduction. Through the large-scale in vivo screening, we have discovered essential genes Lrrc23, C2cd6, Sof1, Tmem95, and Fimp, which play roles in regulating sperm motility and sperm-egg fusion. The relevant research outcomes have been published in international peer-reviewed journals.

Free Research Field

Reproductive biology

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

My work provides explanations for idiopathic male infertility. The identified molecules may serve as biomarkers for male infertility and potential targets for non-hormonal male contraception.