Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
08:48
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
Published on: April 21, 2022
Comparative Analysis of ACTL7A Expression, Localization, and Sperm Functional Parameters in Fertile and Infertile
Sajedeh Sadat Nourian Najafabadi1,2, Marziyeh Tavalaee2, Nushin Naderi2
1ACECR Institute of Higher Education (Isfahan Branch), Isfahan, Iran.
Cell Journal
|August 1, 2026
Summary
Reduced testis-specific actin-like 7A (ACTL7A) expression in sperm is linked to male infertility, impaired chromatin quality, and decreased viability. Further research is needed to validate ACTL7A as a clinical biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Sperm Biology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Testis-specific actin-like 7A (ACTL7A) is a protein associated with the acrosome and perinuclear theca.
- ACTL7A is implicated in male infertility, but its role in sperm quality requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ACTL7A transcript and protein levels in infertile men undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART).
- To explore the association between ACTL7A expression and sperm quality parameters, including chromatin integrity.
- To assess the potential of ACTL7A as a biomarker for male infertility.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 27 men (11 infertile, 16 fertile).
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRTPCR) for ACTL7A mRNA levels.
- Western blot for ACTL7A protein expression in a subset of samples.
- Sperm chromatin integrity assays (SCSA, aniline blue, CMA3) and semen parameter analysis.
Main Results:
- Significantly reduced ACTL7A mRNA and protein levels were observed in infertile men compared to fertile controls.
- Infertile men exhibited lower sperm viability and poorer chromatin integrity.
- ACTL7A expression positively correlated with sperm viability and inversely with DNA fragmentation.
Conclusions:
- Reduced ACTL7A expression in human sperm is associated with impaired chromatin quality and decreased viability.
- ACTL7A is a potential candidate research biomarker for male infertility, but requires further validation in larger cohorts.
- Current findings are exploratory and highlight the need for independent population studies to confirm clinical utility.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Infertility in Males
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
01:27Testes: Histology
A tough, fibrous membrane, the tunica albuginea, covers the testes, extending inward to form fibrous partitions or septa, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules. Each lobule has 1 to 3 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs. These tubules merge into a tubular network at the back of the testis, known as the rete testis. It connects to 15 to 20 efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
01:41Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...