Y-chromosome microdeletions and male infertility.
A genetic basis of infertility may exist in many men currently classified as having idiopathic infertility. Approximately 7% of infertile men harbour submicroscopic deletions of the Y chromosome that are not detectable on routine karyotype. Two candidate gene families, namely the RNA-binding motif-containing gene family, and the deleted-in-azoospermia gene family, have been cloned by deletion mapping of infertile men with Y microdeletions and proposed as candidates for the putative azoospermia factor. The precise function of these two gene families remains unclear. It is likely that additional Y-specific and autosomal genes will be implicated in other subsets of male infertility. Recognition of the association of Y deletions and other genetic defects with male infertility has implications for the diagnosis, treatment, and genetic counselling of infertile men, particularly those who are being considered for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Bhasin
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de Kretser
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D002872:Chromosome Deletion; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000235:genetics; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D014998:Y Chromosome
D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins