Globozoospermia is a condition that affects only males. It is characterized by abnormal sperm and leads to infertility.<br /> <br />Normal sperm cells have an oval-shaped head with a cap-like covering called the acrosome. The acrosome contains enzymes that break down the outer membrane of an egg cell, allowing the sperm to fertilize the egg. The sperm cells of males with globozoospermia, however, have a round head and no acrosome. The abnormal sperm are unable to fertilize an egg cell, leading to infertility.<br /> <br />Globozoospermia is a rare condition but still happened.<br />It is caused mainly by genetic defects, mutations in the DPY19L2 gene, which are found in about 70 % of men with this condition. Mutations in other genes can also cause globozoospermia.<br />The DPY19L2 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is found in developing sperm cells. The DPY19L2 protein is involved in the development of the acrosome and elongation of the sperm head, which are integral steps in sperm cell maturation. Mutations in the DPY19L2 gene result in a loss of functional DPY19L2 protein. As a result, sperm cells have no acrosome and do not elongate properly.<br />This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.<br /><br />Dr. Noor Kareem Dhumad<br />Reproductive physiology/ Assisted Reproductive Techniques (IVF, ICSI and IUI) <br />