• PMID: 11248026
• Gene Name: SNX1
• Condition: Impairment in fertility from the onset of sexual maturity.
• Association: Associated
• Sex: Male
• Infertility type: Male infertility
• Other associated phenotypes: Impairment in fertility from the onset of sexual maturity.

Male fertility defects in mice lacking the serine protease inhibitor protease nexin-1

Murer V, Spetz JF, Hengst U, Altrogge LM, de Agostini A, Monard D.

Understanding infertility and sterility requires knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual reproduction. We have found that male mice deficient for the gene encoding the protease inhibitor protease nexin-1 (PN-1) show a marked impairment in fertility from the onset of sexual maturity. Absence of PN-1 results in altered semen protein composition, which leads to inadequate semen coagulation and deficient vaginal plug formation upon copulation. Progressive morphological changes of the seminal vesicles also are observed. Consistent with these findings, abnormal PN-1 expression was found in the semen of men displaying seminal dysfunction. The data demonstrate that the level of extracellular proteolytic activity is a critical element in controlling male fertility. FAU - Murer, V AU - Murer V AD - Friedrich Miescher Institute, Maulbeerstrasse 66, CH 4058 Basel, Switzerland. FAU - Spetz, J F AU - Spetz JF FAU - Hengst, U AU - Hengst U FAU - Altrogge, L M AU - Altrogge LM FAU - de Agostini, A AU - de Agostini A