KFSH&RC Study Reveals Vital Protein's Role In Early Embryo Development

A recent study by researchers at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has revealed the critical role of a protein called phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) in early embryo development. The research demonstrated that the gene expression of PLCζ is vital for successful embryo implantation in the uterus, and deficiencies in this protein can lead to implantation failure and infertility.

The findings underscore the importance of PLCζ in developing future fertility treatments. Researchers examined PLCζ levels in the sperm of 54 patients undergoing fertility treatment. They found a correlation between high levels of this protein and normal embryo formation, which positively influences pregnancy success rates.

To further understand the gene responsible for producing PLCζ, KFSH&RC researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to create genetically engineered mice. These mice lacked the PLCζ protein, leading to increased polyspermy rates, early embryo development failure, and fewer births compared to normal mice.

Infertility affects about 15% of couples worldwide, highlighting the need for advanced fertility research. The study's findings, published in Human Reproduction, pave the way for new therapeutic interventions to treat infertility. This collaborative effort involved multiple departments at KFSH&RC, Alfaisal University, Khalifa University in the UAE, and support from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology as part of the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Plan (NSTIP).

KFSH&RC has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 20th globally among the world's top 250 Academic Medical Centers for two consecutive years. It is recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East according to Brand Finance's 2024 rankings. Additionally, Newsweek magazine ranked it among the world's best 250 hospitals in 2024.

The study can be accessed at https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/39/6/1256/7658906 -- SPA 13:40 Local Time 10:40 GMT 0014

With inputs from SPA