Retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) is a nuclear receptor with a central role in spermatogenesis. Genetic knockout studies in mice have shown that the lack of RARα leads to a complete absence of sperm production without affecting overall health, suggesting that targeted inhibition of RARα may constitute a feasible strategy for male contraception.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a nonhormonal form of contraception for males, which left male mice temporarily sterile after a few weeks of administration.
