Chromosomes must 'huddle' together to ensure an eggs healthy development and fertilisation But when the gene SRPK is missing, they cannot do this, say Edinburgh scientists

By Anna Hodgekiss

PUBLISHED: 10:57 EST, 26 November 2012 | UPDATED: 10:57 EST, 26 November 2012

Scientists have identified a gene which could help solve the problem of infertility in humans.

The team at the University of Edinburgh conducted a study with fruit flies, during which they found that when the gene SRPK is missing, chromosomes do not 'huddle' together.

They believe the huddling process is necessary to ensure the eggs healthy development and fertilisation.

When the SRPK gene is missing, chromosomes do not 'huddle' together, something necessary for the egg's healthy development and fertilisation

Chromosomes are thread-like structures which contain a persons DNA, and when they divide it can lead to sterility and low fertility, according to the study.

Previous research in mice has shown that the huddling process is essential in order for eggs to remain fertile, the scientists said.

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Could a problematic gene be the key to solving infertility problems?

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