Male Infertility, is There a Cure?

Unfortunately for those men that want children, but can't conceive, the answer is still no; however, new research from Australian and Swedish scientists, has found that the key to male infertility lies with genes found in the powerhouse of the cell, the mitochondria.

Mitochondrial DNA is different from the majority of our nuclear DNA.  It is small, circular, and somewhat resembles bacterial DNA.  The reason for that, it is believed, mitochondria originated from a bacteria that was engulfed by a larger cell.

This occurrence, however, showed a great benefit  for both the bacteria and the larger cell, and a syngeristic relationship formed, leading to the evolution of eukaryotic cells, like human cells.  Mitochondria, while now a definitive part of the eurkaryotic cell, still has some remnants of its bacterial ancestors, including a separate reproductive cycle and its own DNA.

Mutations in mitochondrial DNA can lead to drastic changes in the health of the individual, including causing infertility in men, but surprisingly not women.  This research is important for the understanding of male infertility and may one day lead to effective treatment options.

Kind of a weird thought for us men, that our fertility may lie on the descendant of a bacteria.

Research breakthrough on male infertility