The role of epigenetics in idiopathic male infertility

Infertility is a complex disorder with multiple genetic and environmental causes. Although some specific mutations have been identified, other factors responsible for sperm defects remain largely unknown. Despite considerable efforts to identify the pathophysiology of the disease, we cannot explain...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics 2016-05, Vol.33 (5), p.553-569
Main Authors: Gunes, Sezgin, Arslan, Mehmet Alper, Hekim, Gulgez Neslihan Taskurt, Asci, Ramazan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acetylation
DNA Methylation
Epigenesis, Genetic - physiology
Epigenetics
Genomic Imprinting
Gynecology
Histones - metabolism
Human Genetics
Humans
Infertility, Male - genetics
Male
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
MicroRNAs - physiology
Protamines - metabolism
Reproductive Medicine
Review
Spermatozoa - metabolism
Testis - metabolism
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Summary:Infertility is a complex disorder with multiple genetic and environmental causes. Although some specific mutations have been identified, other factors responsible for sperm defects remain largely unknown. Despite considerable efforts to identify the pathophysiology of the disease, we cannot explain the underlying mechanisms of approximately half of infertility cases. This study reviews current data on epigenetic regulation and idiopathic male infertility. Recent data have shown an association between epigenetic modifications and idiopathic infertility. In this regard, epigenetics has emerged as one of the promising research areas in understanding male infertility. Many studies have indicated that epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation in imprinted and developmental genes, histone tail modifications and short non-coding RNAs in spermatozoa may have a role in idiopathic male infertility.
ISSN:1058-0468
1573-7330
DOI:10.1007/s10815-016-0682-8