IZUMO1R
Izumo1r: The Key to Unlocking Male Fertility
Description:
Izumo1r is a sperm-specific protein that plays a pivotal role in the process of fertilization. It is located on the surface of sperm cells and mediates the binding of sperm to the zona pellucida, the outermost layer of the egg. This binding is essential for the successful penetration of the sperm into the egg and the subsequent formation of an embryo.
Associated Diseases:
Mutations in the IZUMO1R gene have been linked to male infertility. Specifically, these mutations can lead to impaired sperm-egg binding, resulting in reduced fertilization rates and an inability to conceive. Male infertility affects approximately 7% of the global population, with various genetic and environmental factors contributing to its occurrence.
Did you Know ?
In a study conducted by the University of Oxford, researchers found that men with an IZUMO1R mutation had a 12-fold higher risk of infertility compared to men without the mutation. This highlights the significant role of IZUMO1R in male fertility.
