Spermatozoa–somatic cell fusion—A mechanism for microchimerism formation

The recent advantages in molecular biology and genetics revealed the presence of cells with XY-genotype in women, called microchimerism. Currently microchimerism is intensively studied as a possible mediator in autoimmune diseases. We propose that spermatozoids may interact with somatic cells in viv...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of theoretical biology 2009-07, Vol.259 (1), p.190-192
Main Authors: Brodsky, Sergey V., Ivanov, Iouri
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Blood Cells - cytology
Cell Fusion
Chimerism
Chromosomes, Human, Y
Female
Humans
Male
Spermatozoa - cytology
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Summary:The recent advantages in molecular biology and genetics revealed the presence of cells with XY-genotype in women, called microchimerism. Currently microchimerism is intensively studied as a possible mediator in autoimmune diseases. We propose that spermatozoids may interact with somatic cells in vivo, forming viable cells containing male chromosomes and surviving in the body for a long time. Chimeric cells may be more susceptible for malignant transformations and give rise to different tumors. If our hypothesis is correct, it may open new horizons for our understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and cancer.
ISSN:0022-5193
1095-8541
DOI:10.1016/j.jtbi.2009.03.001