Researchers from Canada and Europe have revealed the mystery of a special gene responsible for the regulation of ovulation. Without this gene women can’t ovulate. They have named it Lrh1 gene. Before this discovery, the role of the Lrh1 gene regarding female infertility was unclear. The new study – an association between the Université de Montréal in Canada and the Institut de génetique et biologie moléculaire et cellulaire of the Université de Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France – is published in the latest issue of the journal “Genes & Developmentâ€.
To uncover this interesting truth, scientists have developed genetically modified mice whose Lrh1 gene was blocked in the ovary. When these mice were allowed to mate they produced no babies. Researchers have pinned down the fact that absence of this gene Lrh1 interfered with many processes that lead to ovulation. This gene carries out many functions such as hormonal balance, preparation of egg for ovulation, and rupture of the ovarian follicle that releases the egg.
This fact can prove useful in contraceptives. Currently steroid based contraceptives are in use with undesirable side effects. But the new contraceptive using latest findings about ovulation can be safer, more valuable and effective. If somehow this Lrh1 gene can be turned off you will not ovulate. If you will not ovulate then you will not release an egg and without egg there will be no fertilization and pregnancy. If you want to get pregnant, scientists have to find some mechanism or drug to turn on that magical gene again and suddenly your ovulation cycle is restored to normalcy.
This gene can be used in treating infertility and render hope to couples wanting children. Researchers can find a drug that can activate the ovulation gene Lrh1. We are all aware that by ovulating an infertile female will be able to release an egg which can be fertilized by the sperm.
All said and done we still have to wait and find out how it affects our overall body functioning if we start playing with genes.
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