Discovery of Male Fertility Gene

Scientists have discovered a male fertility gene, SPOCD1, that works in partnership with the C19orf84 gene to protect early-stage precursors to sperm cells from damage. Understanding how these genes work together could explain the basis of severe cases of male infertility. The findings, published in Molecular Cell, shed light on the genetic causes of conditions like cryptozoospermia and azoospermia, which affect around one percent of men.