London: Scientists have identified a new gene which they claim could help solve the problem of infertility in humans.
Researchers from the Edinburgh University conducted a study with fruit flies and found that when the gene SRPK is missing, chromosomes do not "huddle" together, the BBC News reported.
Scientists believe the huddling process is necessary to ensure the egg`s healthy development and fertilisation.
Chromosomes contain Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and when they divide it can lead to sterility and low fertility, according to the study.
Previous research in mice has shown that the huddling process is essential in order for eggs to remain fertile, scientists said.
By identifying the genes involved in the process, the experts now hope to gain an understanding of what goes on in the creation of fertile reproductive cells.
The team said further research is needed to help build a more detailed picture on how huddling works.
"Fruit fly eggs serve as a good model to understand why sterility and low fertility arises in humans," Professor Hiroyuki Ohkura, from the University of Edinburgh`s school of biological sciences, said.
``By studying the phenomenon of chromosome clustering, shared by fruit flies and humans and identifying genes like SRPK we are gaining insights into fertility health," Ohkura said.
The study was published in the Journal of Cell Science.
PTI
