A team of scientists, including a Bulgarian one, isolated a gene that affects sperm maturation. The team includes geneticists from Great Britain, Australia and Bulgaria. They found that the Katnal1 gene affects the late stages of spermatogenesis. It is involved in regulating the microtubule functions of Sertoli cells. These are auxiliary cells that are located in the inner wall of the seminiferous tubules and are responsible for the appropriate conditions in them, secreting nourishing fluids and functioning as “cradles” for the developing spermatozoa. The restoration of microtubules, according to the researchers, allows sperm to circulate in the testes as they mature. This entire process is regulated by the Katnal 1 gene, they comment. The discovery makes it possible to develop a male contraceptive on a non-hormonal basis that affects the activity of the gene. According to the researchers, the effect of such a drug will be reversible, and after stopping its intake, the testicles will regain their ability to secrete quality mature spermatozoa. Therefore, the scientists base it on the fact that the gene does not affect the process of sperm production and the early stages of sperm maturation. At the same time, the researchers believe that the discovery of Katnal1 provides a new direction in the treatment of male sterility, in cases where it is due to disorders due to this gene. The team’s research is detailed in the journal PLoS Genetics.