Nathalie Da Silva

About

Nathalie Da Silva is a leading researcher in reproductive biology, with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying male infertility. Her work centers on the genetic and cellular basis of sperm function, especially in relation to asthenozoospermia—a condition characterized by reduced sperm motility. Her most-cited study, "Missense Mutations in SLC26A8, Encoding a Sperm-Specific Activator of CFTR, Are Associated with Human Asthenozoospermia" (2013, 116 citations), identified SLC26A8 as a critical sperm-specific activator of the CFTR chloride channel. This discovery provided the first direct evidence linking mutations in SLC26A8 to impaired sperm motility in humans, offering a key molecular explanation for a subset of male infertility cases. By elucidating the role of this protein in regulating ion transport and flagellar function, Da Silva has advanced our understanding of how genetic defects disrupt sperm movement. Her work has significant implications for diagnostic screening and potential therapeutic targets in reproductive medicine. With over a hundred citations, this study remains a foundational reference in the field, highlighting Da Silva’s impact on unraveling the complex genetics of human fertility.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Missense Mutations in SLC26A8, Encoding a Sperm-Specific Activator of CFTR, Are Associated with Human Asthenozoospermia

   116 citations · 2013

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