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Molecular insights into the causes of male infertility

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Abstract

Infertility is a reproductive health problem that affects many couples in the human population. About 13–18% of couple suffers from it and approximately one-half of all cases can be traced to either partner. Regardless of whether it is primary or secondary infertility, affected couples suffer from enormous emotional and psychological trauma and it can constitute a major life crisis in the social context. Many cases of idiopathic infertility have a genetic or molecular basis. The knowledge of the molecular genetics of male infertility is developing rapidly, new “spermatogenic genes” are being discovered and molecular diagnostic approaches (DNA chips) established. This will immensely help diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to alleviate human infertility. The present review provides an overview of the causes of human infertility, particularly the molecular basis of male infertility and its implications for clinical practice.

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Abbreviations

AZF:

Azoospermia factor

CFTR:

cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

DAZ:

deleted in azoospermia

FISH:

fluorescent in situ hybridization

ICSI:

intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection

MART:

medically assisted reproductive technology

RBM:

RNA-binding motif

STD:

sexually transmitted diseases

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  1. Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, 560 012, Bangalore, India

    Polani B. Seshagiri

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Seshagiri, P.B. Molecular insights into the causes of male infertility. J Biosci 26, 429–435 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02704745

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