Miracle Blog

Newly Discovered Gene May Explain Unknown Reasons of Infertility

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered an ovary gene called formin-2 (Fmn2), that if missing might be the cause for miscarriage, birth defects, and infertility in women.

A study published in the November issue of “Nature Cell Biology” determined that egg cells lacking Fmn2 were unable to complete the first round of reproductive cell division, known as “meiosis1”. With Fmn2 the egg cell is enabled to correctly position a significant protein-DNA, the metaphase spindle, what ensures the proper distribution of chromosomes to the egg and advances the division process.

“This discovery might be key information for women suffer from recurrent pregnancy loss.”comments Dr. Kettel. “The results of this study are promising to find the answer for many cases of unexplained infertility.” Drs. Hummel and Kettel continue to observe further research on formin-2 whose discovery might be a milestone for future fertility treatment.