HK study finds molecule that offers fertility hope
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection can be used to provide fertility for men with cystic fibrosis (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Posted: 26 August 2011 HONG KONG: Hong Kong scientists said on Friday they have discovered a molecule that binds human sperm to an egg, i n a breakthrough which offers new hope for infertile couples. The study by researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) found a key molecule on the coating of the human egg, called sialyl-LewisX (SLeX), which acts as a binding agent to help the sperm and egg stick together. "This research provides an enlightening answer to a basic important question and human fertilisation -- how does a sperm bind to an egg?" William Yeung , one of the researchers, told AFP . "But this is only a first step that will lead to more discoveries," said Yeung, who is also a professor at HKU's department of obstetrics and gynaecology. The identification of SLeX will help to pinpoint patients whose infertili...