DeCure's autonomous Rare AI scientist is researching a drug-repurposing hypothesis for male infertility — screening already-approved drugs against its 25-gene Open Targets disease module to publish open-access research. Research is fast; the path to publication is funded in milestone stages.
Disease moduleMale infertility maps to a 25-gene Open Targets module — the target space DeCure's AI scientist screens approved drugs against.
DeCure.ai methodSignature reversal (LINCS) plus network proximity (STRING) rank already-approved drugs likely to perturb this module — the same engine that produces DeCure.ai's repurposing hypotheses.
Repurposing thesisScreening approved medicines against this disease module, then publishing the evidence for the strongest candidate. Known pharmacology and human exposure data make the first question sharper — they do not establish safety or efficacy in a new indication.
Research record
01
ResearchComing soon
Candidate research + dossier — target rationale, drug-repurposing thesis and evidence pack.proof: Published dossier + on-chain hash
02
ValidationComing soon
In-vitro biological validation at a contract research org (CRO).proof: CRO contract + in-vitro report
03
Peer review & paperComing soon
Peer-reviewed paper published open-access (preprint + journal).proof: DOI + open-access link + on-chain hash
Current lead
No approved-drug candidate for male infertility is corroborated in the literature DeepSearch retrieved. Some conditions are managed with non-pharmacological care — a device, surgery or physical therapy — rather than a medicine; that may be the case here, or the literature we found may simply be too sparse yet to support a drug-repurposing angle.
Molecular view
transthyretin (TTR) — TTR is one of the genes genetically linked to this disease in Open Targets — shown as context, not as a drug target we're pursuing: no approved-drug candidate for this disease is yet corroborated in the literature we found.
Loading structure…
helix sheet 2,4-dimethylphenyldrag to rotate · scroll to zoom
RCSB Protein Data Bank · entry 8C86 · 1.1 Å · ligand (2,4-dimethylphenyl)(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrophenyl)methanone (TQ0). Experimental structure, not a prediction.
What the evidence adds up to
Male infertility accounts for roughly half of all infertility cases, with genetic factors contributing to 15–30% of those cases. Over 150 genes have been shown to be important for male fertility in mammalian models, most discovered through gene targeting in mice. The AUA/ASRM guideline from 2020, based on literature from 2000 to 2019, states that detection of male infertility increases the risk of subsequent health problems and that specific medical conditions are associated with some causes of male infertility. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for evaluation and management, covering medical therapies, surgical techniques, and assisted reproductive technologies such as intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilisation, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
A 2006 review of drug therapy for idiopathic male infertility found no evidence supporting the use of androgens or gonadotropins for enhancing fertility, noting that these agents may act as contraceptives with significant side effects. There was insufficient evidence for antiestrogens, aromatase inhibitors, and antioxidants, and no drug therapy proved clearly beneficial for idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia. The review concluded that drug therapy for idiopathic male infertility is empirical at best and that androgens should not be used because they may suppress spermatogenesis. A 2022 review notes that currently available treatments are prohibitively expensive, difficult to obtain, require lengthy courses, and have side effects, while suggesting herbal therapy as a less expensive alternative with fewer side effects.
A 2010 bioinformatics study identified three potential post-translational modifications in the ERp57 protein, a component of human sperm acrosome proteins, and suggested this knowledge could help understand the molecular process of male infertility. A 2003 review of genetic aspects in animal models describes several male infertility mutations and their pathogenesis, with a supplementary table listing most genes known to cause male infertility in mammals. A 2011 review emphasises that understanding the genetic basis of infertility is important for providing adapted therapeutics and counselling in the era of assisted reproduction.
What is still missing are large, well-funded randomised controlled trials for any drug therapy in idiopathic male infertility, particularly for antiestrogens, aromatase inhibitors, and antioxidants. The genetic and epigenetic knowledge has not yet translated into routine clinical treatments that target specific mutations. Patient stratification by genetic cause remains largely a research tool rather than a clinical reality, and the cost and accessibility of assisted reproductive technologies remain barriers.
Evidence
Retrieved by DeepSearch across 234,678,978 indexed works and resolved on OpenAlex — ranked by citations, including the results that did not work.
The Journal of Urology · 2020 · 254 citations · open access
Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline Part I
AbstractPURPOSE: The summary presented herein represents Part I of the two-part series dedicated to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline. Part I outlines the appropriate evaluation of the male in an infertile couple. Recommendations proceed from obtaining an appropriate history and physical exam (Appendix I), as well as diagnostic testing, where indicated. MATERIALS/METHODS: The Emergency Care Research Institute Evidence-based Practice Center team searched PubMed®, Embase®, and Medline from January, 2000 through May, 2019. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions (table 1[Table: see text]). This summary is being simultaneously published in Fertility and Sterility and The Journal of Urology. RESULTS: This Guideline provides updated, evidence-based recommendations regarding evaluation of male infertility as well as the association of male infertility with other important health conditions. The detection of male infertility increases the risk of subsequent development of health problems for men. In addition, specific medical conditions are associated with some causes for male infertility. Evaluation and treatment recommendations are summarized in the associated algorithm (figure[Figure: see text]). CONCLUSION: The presence of male infertility is crucial to the health of patients and its effects must be considered for the welfare of society. This document will undergo updating as the knowledge regarding current treatments and future treatment options continues to expand.
The Journal of Urology · 2020 · 248 citations · open access
Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline PART II
AbstractPURPOSE: The summary presented herein represents Part II of the two-part series dedicated to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline. Part II outlines the appropriate management of the male in an infertile couple. Medical therapies, surgical techniques, as well as use of intrauterine insemination (IUI)/in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are covered to allow for optimal patient management. Please refer to Part I for discussion on evaluation of the infertile male and discussion of relevant health conditions that are associated with male infertility. MATERIALS/METHODS: The Emergency Care Research Institute Evidence-based Practice Center team searched PubMed®, Embase®, and Medline from January 2000 through May 2019. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions (table[Table: see text]). This summary is being simultaneously published in Fertility and Sterility and The Journal of Urology. RESULTS: This Guideline provides updated, evidence-based recommendations regarding management of male infertility. Such recommendations are summarized in the associated algorithm (figure[Figure: see text]). CONCLUSION: Male contributions to infertility are prevalent, and specific treatment as well as assisted reproductive techniques are effective at managing male infertility. This document will undergo additional literature reviews and updating as the knowledge regarding current treatments and future treatment options continues to expand.
Drug Therapy for Idiopathic Male Infertility: Rationale Versus Evidence
AbstractPURPOSE: About half of all infertile men who seek treatment have no specific cause that can be determined for the seminal abnormality. These men are often subject to a number of medical therapies with doubtful efficacy. We reviewed the rationale on which these therapies are advised and determined whether sufficient medical evidence exists to justify their use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed, focusing on publications of the last 20 years of drug therapies for idiopathic male factor infertility. Therapies for specific abnormalities such as hypogonadism were excluded. Basic science, in vitro and animal studies suggesting the mechanism of action for male infertility were evaluated as the rationale part of the review, while controlled and uncontrolled human clinical trials were reviewed as evidence for drug use. RESULTS: There is no evidence in support of androgens and gonadotropins for enhancing male fertility. These agents may instead act as contraceptives with significant side effects. There is insufficient evidence regarding the role of antiestrogens, aromatase inhibitors and antioxidants. No drug therapy has proved to be clearly beneficial for idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia. CONCLUSIONS: Drug therapy for idiopathic male infertility is at best empirical. There is no clear benefit of using any medication in these patients. Moreover, androgens should not be used because they may actually suppress spermatogenesis.
Indian Journal of Urology · 2011 · 75 citations · open access
Genetic and epigenetic factors: Role in male infertility
AbstractGenetic factors contribute upto 15%-30% cases of male infertility. Formation of spermatozoa occurs in a sequential manner with mitotic, meiotic, and postmeiotic differentiation phases each of which is controlled by an intricate genetic program. Genes control a variety of physiologic processes, such as hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, germ cell development, and differentiation. In the era of assisted reproduction technology, it is important to understand the genetic basis of infertility to provide maximum adapted therapeutics and counseling to the couple.
Folia Biologica · 2003 · 5 citations · open access
Selected Genetic Aspects of Male Infertility - What Animal Models Tell Us
AbstractMany advances have been recently made in understanding the genetic control of fertility in model systems. This review concentrates on genetic causes of male factor infertility in mammalian models. More than 150 genes proved to be important for the male fertility in mammals and the list is continuously growing. Most of those genes were discovered using gene targeting in the mouse. Here, several interesting male infertility mutations are described with regard to the pathogenesis of reproduction failure. A detailed table comprising most of the genes causing male infertility is presented as supplementary Table 1, at http://www.img.cas.cz/fb/v49no4_table1.html, including the corresponding references.
Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences · 2010 · 4 citations · open access
Potential protein post-translational modification in ERp57: A phenotype marker for male fertility
AbstractBACKGROUND: In protein expression, post-translational modification is an important process. It is also an important process in human reproductive science. ERp57 is a molecule that is mentioned for post-translational modification. ERp57 is a component of human sperm acrosome proteins. However, the data on post-translational modifications of ERp57 is limited. AIM: The aim of this work is to assess potential protein post-translational modifications in ERp57 protein. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A descriptive computational bioinformatics study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this work, potential protein post-translational modifications in ERp57 protein were assessed via a standard bioinformatics technique. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS: There are three post-translational modifications within ERp57 from bioinformatics analysis. CONCLUSION: This new knowledge can be useful for better realization on molecular process of male infertility.
Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction · 2022 · 3 citations · open access
Conventional treatment options and herbal remedies for male infertility
AbstractMale infertility is responsible for an estimated 50% of all cases of infertility. Treatments for male infertility include surgery, in-vitro fertilization, hormone therapy, and herbal remedies. Assisted reproductive technologies and methods have made it possible to identify and treat previously untreatable causes of male infertility. Currently available treatments for male infertility are prohibitively expensive, difficult to obtain, necessitate a lengthy course of treatment, and have a host of side effects. Herbal therapy offers male infertility treatment that is less expensive and has fewer side effects than other treatments. The current review focuses on the various treatment options for male infertility.
Disease module: DeepOracle (Open Targets). Structures: RDKit from PubChem SMILES. Literature: retrieved by DeepSearch across 234,678,978 indexed works (targeted per-candidate search), resolved on OpenAlex.
DeCure is a research and publication project, not medical advice and not a treatment. "DeCure for X" describes a research goal, not a claim that a cure exists. Backing a cure is a contribution to fund the research — it is not an investment, and confers no yield, royalty, equity or IP ownership. Papers are published open-access by the DeCure.ai DAO.
