Elucidation of new molecular mechanisms involved in postnatal testicular development and functional acquisition

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K09682
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56030:Urology-related
• Research Institution: National Center for Child Health and Development
• Principal Investigator: Miyado Mami 国立研究開発法人国立成育医療研究センター, 分子内分泌研究部, 上級研究員 (00386252)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 精巣 / 生殖機能 / モデル動物 / Y染色体喪失 / 性分化疾患 / 子宮内低栄養 / MAMLD1

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To identify missing pieces hidden in already known mechanisms of postnatal testicular development and functional acquisition, we performed this study using a set of disease model animals and samples obtained from patients. Subsequently, we obtained remarkable results as followings: (1) Extra-mitochondrial CS (eCS) suppresses age-dependent male infertility; (2) The frequency of leukocyte mLOY in reproductive-aged men with spermatogenic failure is rare; (3) Major histocompatibility complex class I expressed in sperm blocks polyspermy; and (4) Intrauterine hyponutrition reduces fetal testosterone production and postnatal sperm count in the mouse.

Free Research Field

分子生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、遺伝子機能の変化やY染色体のコピー変化が精巣機能や精子形成に与える影響を明らかにした。モデル動物と疾患患者の解析を行い、精巣・精子形成および男性ホルモン産生に関わる新たな分子機構を見出した。本研究の成果は、性分化疾患や男性不妊症などの生殖機能障害発症機序の解明に結び付くことが期待される。