SSHD-SLO/MR7
The deposit of more healthy sperms into the female reproductive tract is one of the key conditions for a successful pregnancy. Increased gene product of SLO and MR7 genes plays crucial role to form healthy sperms. SSHD-SLO/MR7 molecules promote the activity of these genes.
What do SLO and MRP7 genes do?
MRP7 is expressed in the reproductive organs of both males and females. It has many functions in human reproduction.
In males, it is expressed in the testes and other parts of the male reproductive system. Dr. Xu and colleagues have demonstrated that decreased expression of MRP7 results in impairment of sperm formation [1].
MRP7 also plays a critical role in maintaining correct extracellular fluid viscosity so that sperms can effectively navigate the male reproductive system. For a review, see Ref.2.
The SLO gene (also known as KCNMA1) encodes a protein which operates a Maxi-K channel to control smooth muscle tone and neuronal excitability. To increase expression of SLO, DNA that encodes the K-Max channel has already been successfully injected into the male reproductive organ, see Ref. 3. As indicated, the product of the SLO gene relaxes smooth muscle in the artery walls of the reproductive organ so that more blood can enter, resulting in an erection. Other products such as Viagra also help by relaxing the smooth muscle of the reproductive organ's arteries in a different way.
References
- Xu WM et al., Defective CFTR-dependent creb activation results in impaired spermatogenesis and azoospermia. PLoS ONE2011: 6: e19120. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0019120.
- Chan H C et al., The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (MRP7) in reproductive health and disease. J. Physiol. 2009: 587; 2187.
- Kendirci M et al., Gene therapy for erectile dysfunction: fact or fiction? European Urol. 2006; 50; 1208.