Biotech Updates

Researchers Find Link Between Infertility and Taste Genes

July 3, 2013

Molecular biologists from Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia found a possible link between the taste buds and male infertility. In a study published in the July 1 edition of Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, the researchers investigated proteins called taste receptors. These receptors function in detection of sugars, acids, salt and other chemicals involved in basic tastes. Past studies have revealed that these receptors are present not just in tongue but also in other parts of the body such as stomach, intestines, pancreas, lungs, and even brain. The function of taste receptors in such areas remains elusive.

In the current study, Bedrich Mosinger and colleagues focused on the receptors that help taste buds detect the sugars and amino acids responsible for sweet and savory tastes. This led them to one receptor called TAS1R3 and a molecule labeled as GNAT3 which is involved in helping TAS1R3 send signals to the brain. TAS1R3 and GNAT3 are both present in testicles and sperm of mice.

The researchers genetically engineered mice to express the human form of TAS1R3. When the mice were given clofibrate, a drug that blocks the human receptors, the males became infertile due to production of abnormal and few sperms. When the drug was removed from the diet, the mice became fertile again. Clofibrate is commonly prescribed to patients with high blood cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides.

The next objective of the researchers is to identify pathways and mechanisms in testes that use the taste genes to elucidate how their absence leads to infertility in males.

Read the original article at http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=infertility-may-be-linked.