title: New insights into the genetic basis of infertility.
abstract: Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system characterized by inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 or more months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. A variety of factors, including ovulation defects, spermatogenic failure, parental age, obesity, and infections have been linked with infertility, in addition to specific karyotypes and genotypes. The study of genes associated with infertility in rodent models has expanded the field of translational genetics in identifying the underlying cause of human infertility problems. Many intriguing aspects of the molecular basis of infertility in humans remain poorly understood; however, application of genetic knowledge in this field looks promising. The growing literature on the genetics of human infertility disorders deserves attention and a critical concise summary is required. This paper provides information obtained from a systematic analysis of the literature related to current research into the genetics of infertility affecting both sexes.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: Thejaswini
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Venkatesh
authors.affiliation: Centre for Biomedical Research, VIT University, Vellore, India.
authors.forename: Padmanaban S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Suresh
authors.affiliation: University of Tokushima, Institute of Health Bioscience, Department of Public Health and Nutrition, Tokushima, Japan.
authors.forename: Rie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tsutsumi
keywords: cystic fibrosis; genetics; infertility; polycystic ovary syndrome; premature ovarian failure; spermatogenic failure