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.