Key functional genes of spermatogenesis identified by microarray analysis.
Summary of "Key functional genes of spermatogenesis identified by microarray analysis."
At present many couples face difficulties when trying to conceive that may have a genetic basis. The male factor is the cause of infertility as often as the female. Therefore it is important to identify key genes involved in spermatogenesis which may be linked to male infertility. This review discusses the identification of a range of genes associated with male fertility using microarrays. Based on differences in gene expression profiles between fertile and infertile male subgroups or between fetal and adult male gonads, many genes important for spermatogenesis have been discovered. Genes that are critical at particular stages of spermatogenesis were defined and can be considered as potential male fertility biomarkers. The studies described showed that microarrays may be potentially used as a diagnostic platform to increase the efficacy of diagnosis and perhaps treatment of infertile males.
Affiliation
Institute of Human Genetics , Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan , Poland.
Journal Details
This article was published in the following journal.
Name: Systems biology in reproductive medicine
ISSN: 1939-6376
Pages:
Links
- PubMed Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22676428
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/19396368.2012.693148
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Microarray Analysis
The simultaneous analysis, on a microchip, of multiple samples or targets arranged in an array format.
Genes
Specific sequences of nucleotides along a molecule of DNA (or, in the case of some viruses, RNA) which represent functional units of HEREDITY. Most eukaryotic genes contain a set of coding regions (EXONS) that are spliced together in the transcript, after removal of intervening sequence (INTRONS) and are therefore labeled split genes.
Testis
The male gonad containing two functional parts: the SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES for the production and transport of male germ cells (SPERMATOGENESIS) and the interstitial compartment containing LEYDIG CELLS that produce ANDROGENS.
Pseudogenes
Genes bearing close resemblance to known genes at different loci, but rendered non-functional by additions or deletions in structure that prevent normal transcription or translation. When lacking introns and containing a poly-A segment near the downstream end (as a result of reverse copying from processed nuclear RNA into double-stranded DNA), they are called processed genes.
Andrology
A scientific or medical discipline concerning the study of male reproductive biology, diseases of the male genital organs, and male infertility. Major areas of interest include ENDOCRINOLOGY; SPERMATOGENESIS; semen analysis; FERTILIZATION; CONTRACEPTION; and CRYOPRESERVATION.
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