Inventors:
Hsiao Chang Chan - Shatin, HK
Chenxi Zhou - Guangdon, CN
Chuen Pei Ng - Los Angeles CA, US
Yiu Wa Chung - Sunshine, HK
Assignee:
The Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shatin, N.T.
International Classification:
G01N 33/53
US Classification:
435 71, 435 72, 435 791, 435 792, 436514, 436518
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the discovery that an epididymis-specific defensin, EP2D, plays an important role in regulating sperm motility and therefore male fertility. Provided are methods for evaluating male fertility based on the level of EP2D bound to sperm, kits for evaluating male fertility, and methods for enhancing or suppressing fertility in a male by regulating the level of EP2D and the binding between sperm and EP2D.