Messenger RNA delivery into Sertoli cells restores fertility to congenitally infertile male mice - PubMed
4 days ago
- #male-infertility
- #Sertoli-cells
- #mRNA-therapy
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery into Sertoli cells restored fertility in congenitally infertile male mice.
- The study used a genetic model of infertility where Cldn11-deficient mice had defective blood-testis barriers and meiotic defects.
- Injected mRNA was specifically expressed in Sertoli cells and triggered an innate immune response, but spermatogenesis resumed without major side effects.
- Delivery of naked Cldn11 mRNA allowed progression from spermatocytes to spermatids, leading to fertile offspring with normal imprinting via microinsemination.
- mRNA-based therapy offers a safer alternative to gene therapy by avoiding germline transmission risks.
- The findings highlight the potential of targeting testicular somatic cells for treating male infertility without introducing genetic material into the germline.