Molecular Biology of Spermatogenesis: Novel Targets of Apparently Idiopathic Male Infertility.

Rossella Cannarella,Laura M Mongioì,Rosita A Condorelli,Sandro La Vignera,Aldo E Calogero

doi:10.3390/ijms21051728

Rossella Cannarella, Laura M Mongioì + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21051728

Copy DOI

Abstract

Male infertility affects half of infertile couples and, currently, a relevant percentage of cases of male infertility is considered as idiopathic. Although the male contribution to human fertilization has traditionally been restricted to sperm DNA, current evidence suggest that a relevant number of sperm transcripts and proteins are involved in acrosome reactions, sperm‒oocyte fusion and, once released into the oocyte, embryo growth and development. The aim of this review is to provide updated and comprehensive insight into the molecular biology of spermatogenesis, including evidence on spermatogenetic failure and underlining the role of the sperm-carried molecular factors involved in oocyte fertilization and embryo growth. This represents the first step in the identification of new possible diagnostic and, possibly, therapeutic markers in the field of apparently idiopathic male infertility.

Highlights

Infertility is a widespread condition in industrialized countries, affecting up to 15% of couples of childbearing age [1]
The purpose of this review is to provide updated and comprehensive insights into the molecular biology of spermatogenesis, underlining the role of the molecular factors involved in oocyte fertilization and embryo growth that are produced during spermatogenesis and carried out by the spermatozoon
Since the expression of IGF2 depends on the promotor methylation rate, which the embryo receives from the spermatozoon, it may be speculated that sperm-expressed IGF2 plays a role in embryo growth at the very early stage of embryo formation before embryo gene activation (EGA)

Summary

Introduction

Infertility is a widespread condition in industrialized countries, affecting up to 15% of couples of childbearing age [1]. Infertility results from an impairment of male and/or female gamete production, or the gametes’ inability to reach each other or fuse. Once the embryo is generated, infertility may arise from insufficient embryo growth and development [3]. Several etiological factors have been identified in infertile couples far. These include (but they are not limited to) disorders of gametogenesis, abnormal gamete quality, genital tract dysfunctions (e.g., obstruction, infections, inflammations, etc.), abnormal embryo implant, or vascularization [3]. The etiology of infertility still remains unclear in a relevant percentage of cases [3]

Objectives

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion