In developed countries including Japan, it is said that about 6 in 1 couples are suffering from infertility, which is a big social problem.Recent studies have already found several genes that are specifically expressed in the testis and are essential for male fertility.This time, the research group analyzed previously published papers and databases in collaboration with Dr. Julio M. Castaneda, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine.We identified genes that are highly expressed in the testis and are conserved in mice and humans and are thought to be important for reproduction.

　Next, as a result of producing genetically modified mice using the latest genome editing technology that can produce knockout mice at low cost and in a short period of time, 7 mice, which is 54% of the analyzed genes, are essential for male fertility. It turned out that it was not.On the other hand, by this research method, a gene that causes male infertility was also discovered at the same time.This indicates that the role and importance cannot be determined only by the expression mode of the gene, and it is important to proceed with the research after ascertaining the importance with the genetically modified mouse.

　In this study, it is clear that there are 7% of genes that are not essential for male fertility even though they are highly expressed in mammals, and that there are surprisingly many genes that do not affect fertility even if they are deleted. Therefore, it is expected that the cost of research will be significantly reduced by focusing on genes related to fertility, and that the cause of infertility and the development of contraceptive vaccines will be promoted. ..