Russian biologists disclosed that a small fragment of the gene responsible for the synthesis of ORB2 plays an important role in the fecundity of males of fruit flies. If the gene remove the “tail”, then three quarters of males drosophyl lose the opportunity to leave offspring. Since the fundamental mechanisms for the formation of genital cells in humans and insects are similar, the results will help explain the causes of infertility in men. Briefly about the study reported in a press release on the RHF website.
It is known that the ripening of genital cells in animals respond to the genes of the Srev family. In fruit flies, this family is represented by two genes: ORB and ORB2. At the same time, ORB2 participates in the proper development of male genital cells, adjusting the activity of other proteins. ORB2 is also capable of authoring due to the presence of a special area – the 3′-untranslated area (3’nto). 3’nto is a “tail” in molecules of mRNA, with which information is directly reading for protein synthesis. On such a “tail” sit Other proteins of Srev, carrying out regulation.
Scientists using the CRISPR-CAS9 gene editing system were cut out 3’nto from the ORB2 gene, as a result of which the corresponding mRNA could no longer bind to the Srev proteins. It was found that about 75 percent of insects became fruitless. They have broken the development of sperm cells – spermatid. When the sperm ripens, it is formed by a flagery required for moving. However, in genetically changed cells, the hartic was formed incorrectly.
When the regulatory protein is connected to 3’nto, mRNA is transported to a certain part of the cell. However, due to the lack of 3’nto, the molecule did not fall into the desired area of sperm. According to scientists, the understanding of this mechanism will help in the study of the role of the Srev and in the spermatogenesis of a person.