Understanding the Molecular Basis of Epididymal Maturation: How Does the Epididymis Modify Spermatozoa, Allowing them to Recognise the Egg ?

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Male infertility is a significant clinical problem affecting one in twenty Australian men. A common feature of this condition is the sperm’s inability to recognize the egg. Sperm gain this property as they transit an organ known as the epididymis. We have produced genetically modified mice with a specific epididymal defect that prevents sperm-egg recognition. This study will examine the structure of these defective sperm to generate new insights into the molecular basis of sperm-egg interaction.