Can Sperm RNA Found in Eggs Shed Light on Parthenogenesis and Cloning?

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In summary, a recent study published in Nature has found that sperm mRNA is present in newly fertilized eggs, leading to potential explanations for parthenogenesis, cloning, and male infertility. This discovery could also have practical applications in infertility treatment and toxicological screening. The study also identified specific transcripts in sperm that are delivered to the egg upon fertilization. While this may have been suggested previously, this study provides concrete evidence for this phenomenon. The team is now looking into its potential in other species, such as pigs.
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Presence in newly fertilized ova provides insight into parthenogenesis and cloning | By Cathy Holding



A team of researchers has observed sperm mRNA in newly fertilized eggs, according to a paper published in the May 13 Nature, in a finding that provides alternative explanations for mammalian parthenogenesis, cloning, and male infertility, the team writes. The results would also have immediate applications for treating infertile couples and for providing a screen for toxicological effects in spermatogenesis, said coauthor Steven Krawetz.

Krawetz's team identified six transcripts present in sperm, but not in unfertilized eggs, and followed the delivery of two of them—clusterin and protamine-2—into eggs using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

“It's really the first demonstration that human sperm contain a population of RNAs,” said Krawetz, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Wayne State University. “Specifically, we show messenger RNAs, and those are delivered to the oocyte upon fertilization.”

http://www.biomedcentral.com/news/20040513/01
 
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..I thought that was already known? It must've been a rumor then..
 
  • #3
It was probably suggested as a theory but now they have proof.
 
  • #4
I think the main thing they are getting to here is that they found it possible for an egg to fertilize another egg. This is after they tested it. Now, I believe, they are moving on to pigs.

Those girls, always learning to take out the middleman
Paden Roder
 
  • #5
Hey! Steven Krawetz.. gee, my former department is doing well..
 

1. What is sperm mRNA and why is it important?

Sperm mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) is a type of genetic material found in the sperm of males. It carries instructions for building proteins that are essential for cellular functions. When the sperm fertilizes an egg, the mRNA is passed on to the egg, playing a crucial role in early embryonic development.

2. How does sperm mRNA end up in eggs?

During fertilization, the sperm delivers its genetic material, including the mRNA, to the egg. The sperm enters the egg through a process called membrane fusion, where the membranes of the sperm and egg fuse together, allowing the sperm to deliver its contents.

3. What is the significance of finding sperm mRNA in eggs?

The presence of sperm mRNA in eggs indicates that these molecules play an important role in early embryonic development. This discovery has shed light on how the sperm and egg work together to create a new organism, and how genetic information is passed on from the male to the female.

4. Can sperm mRNA affect the development of the embryo?

Yes, studies have shown that sperm mRNA can have a significant impact on the development of the embryo. It has been found to regulate gene expression and influence important developmental processes such as cell division, differentiation, and growth.

5. Are there any potential implications of this discovery?

The discovery of sperm mRNA in eggs has potential implications in the field of reproductive medicine. It could lead to a better understanding of infertility and embryo development, and potentially new treatments for fertility issues. It also raises ethical considerations regarding the use of sperm mRNA in assisted reproductive technologies.

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