Telomere length varies from cell to cell and organ to organ. It is well known that germ cells have longer telomeres than other cells. Among them, the telomere length of sperm cells plays a critical role in individual development and reproduction. Their telomere length is an important biomarker for possible fertility-related diseases.
The analysis of sperm telomere length (STL) can provide researchers with new ideas in the direction of research on male semen quality, fertility, and reproductive age. CD BioSciences can provide telomere length measurement of sperm samples, which may be used for research on the diagnosis, prognosis, and drug development of male fertility disorders.
Sperm Telomere Length Measurements in Aging Studies
In males, spermatogenesis is a dynamic and continuous process from puberty to death. Telomeres of sperm cells are longer and increase with age compared to somatic cells. This is contrary to our previous knowledge. The exact mechanism of this process remains unclear. But even if it is, researchers believe that men's fertility decreases as they get older. And shorter STL has been associated with many reproductive disorders.
- We perform a comprehensive assessment of telomere length in sperm cells, focusing on capturing the range of telomere length variation and distribution within the population.
- We also offer a specialized profiling test focusing on the association between telomere length in sperm cells and longevity-related traits in offspring. This analysis seeks to uncover the heritability of aging-related characteristics and the potential impact of paternal aging on the lifespan of descendants.
Sample Requirements
We provide telomere length measurement solutions for researchers with sperm samples. The specific requirements are as follows.
- Sample type. We receive semen samples or genomic DNA samples extracted from sperm.
- Sample quantity. Semen samples should contain multiple 1 mL aliquots, each containing > 106 cells of sperm cells. DNA sample > 1 μg.
- Shipping requirements. Semen samples should be frozen in nitrogen for 30 min and then transported on dry ice.
Workflow of Sperm Telomere Length Measurements
Our service is focused on measuring telomere length in sperms. We provide our clients with the required telomere length data of sperm cells to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic potential based on telomere length.
- Sperm cell preparation
To prepare sperm cells, the semen sample you provide must be centrifuged through a density gradient. We can separate sperm cells from non-germ cells and other debris to ensure that your results are accurate. This process consists mainly of thawing, centrifugation, washing, and resuspension.
- DNA extraction
If requested, we extract genomic DNA directly from prepared sperm cells. All reagents and consumables for this procedure are provided directly by us.
- Telomere length measurement
We offer a range of methods for sperm cell telomere length assays, such as terminal restriction fragment (TRF), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques. We can perform comprehensive telomere analysis, including information on relative telomere length, average telomere length, and telomere distribution, etc.
- Analysis and interpretation of results
We provide analysis for differences between the average telomere lengths of the different sperm samples. Using basic linear correlation and regression, we examine the normality of the variables and assess the relationship between telomere length and age.
CD BioSciences is an expert in the field of aging and aging-related disease research. Our services allow clients to quickly and efficiently measure telomere length in biological samples of sperm and assess its relevance to aging and disease. If you need telomere length measurement of sperm samples or other samples, please contact us to learn more.
Reference
- Amir S, et al. Sperm telomere length: Diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in male infertility. World Academy of Sciences Journal, 2019, 1 (6): 259-63.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
