- The 'vinegar fly' has been used as it shares 60% of its genes with humans.

Stock image of a fly. / AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF BARCELONA

Scientists discover a gene essential for the formation of the testicles in humans and flies

A research team made up of the Andalusian Center for Development Biology (CABD-CSIC-UPO-JA), a joint center of the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), the Pablo de Olavide University (UPO), and the Junta de Andalucía has made a novel discovery. The DLC3 gene that we can find in humans and flies is clearly involved in the formation and development of the testicles and helps considerably to discover future therapies, as reported by the CSIC in a press release.

Scientists have thus identified a relationship between this gene with testicular formation and degeneration. According to studies, this degeneration as a consequence of human development gave rise in certain cases to the development of feminine characteristics in masculine individuals. In these cases, it has been detected that "several patients with this syndrome had minor alterations in the DLC3 gene," according to Sol Sotillos, a scientist at the CABD-CSIC-UPO-JA who is leading the work.

Thanks to this gene, it has been possible to discover the specific cause of this degeneration at the cellular level, since it fulfills the function of retaining sperm stem cells within the gonads.

The 'vinegar fly', essential

To carry out this study, the object of study has been fundamental. In this case, it is the Drosophila melanogaster, more commonly known as the vinegar fly. This shares 60% of its genes with human beings and thus helps to identify the causes of some diseases. In addition, since they are small insects, they reproduce quickly, causing several generations in a short time, which has allowed us to see how this gene affects mutation.

DLC3 gene to develop future therapies

This gene has been essential to carry out this discovery, since, in the case of humans, it is known for its role in suppressing tumors. Likewise, this type of genes "affected in this type of syndromes helps in the diagnosis and in the development of future therapies", contributing to a new door to treating reproductive diseases, as confirmed by James Hombría, a researcher at the CABD-CSIC-UPO- HA.

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