Double jeopardy: how BRCA2, TP53, and DNMT3A redefine the link between infertility and cancer risk.

Introduction

Infertility remains a significant global health challenge, affecting approximately 15% of couples, with 10%–30% of cases attributed to underlying genetic factors ( Obeagu and Infertility, 2023 ). A growing body of evidence highlights an unexpected convergence between infertility and cancer predisposition, where pathogenic variants in genes traditionally associated with oncogenesis also disrupt reproductive function ( Tiwari et al., 2024 ). This intersection suggests that shared molecular pathways govern both gametogenesis and somatic cell stability, with defects manifesting as reproductive failure and increased cancer risk ( Fang et al., 2022 ). Carriers of germline mutations in high-penetrance cancer risk genes such as BRCA1 , and BRCA2 frequently exhibit subfertility, ranging from premature ovarian insufficiency to azoospermia ( Barili et al., 2024 ; Panier and Wang, 2024 ). The mechanistic links between infertility and cancer susceptibility often center on DNA damage response pathways ( Xu et al., 2024 ). Genes involved in homologous recombination repair, including BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2, are critical for resolving DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) during meiosis ( Lingg and Rottenberg SFrancica, 2022 ). In their absence, gametogenesis is disrupted, leading to meiotic arrest, apoptosis of developing germ cells, and subsequent infertility ( García-Rodríguez et al., 2018 ). Notably, these same genes are essential for suppressing tumorigenesis in proliferating somatic cells, where their dysfunction results in genomic instability and malignant transformation ( Gorodetska and Kozeretska IDubrovska, 2019 ). Similarly, cell cycle regulators such as TP53 and ATM play pivotal roles in monitoring DNA damage in both germ and somatic cells ( Timmerman et al., 2021 ). Mutations in these genes can trigger germ cell apoptosis, leading to gonadal failure, while simultaneously permitting unchecked somatic proliferation, a hallmark of cancer.

Beyond DNA repair, epigenetic dysregulation further bridges infertility and cancer risk ( Dutta et al., 2024 ). Genes encoding chromatin modifiers, including DNMT3A and MTHFR , influence both gametogenesis and oncogenesis through alterations in DNA methylation and histone modification ( Rotondo et al., 2021 ). For example, aberrant methylation patterns in sperm DNA have been linked to oligospermia, while similar epigenetic disruptions in somatic cells can activate oncogenes or silence tumor suppressors ( Zhang et al., 2024a ). Hormonal pathways also contribute to this overlap, as illustrated by PTEN mutations, which perturb folliculogenesis and endometrial function while predisposing to breast and thyroid cancers ( Denaro et al., 2023 ).

Clinically, these shared vulnerabilities necessitate a paradigm shift toward integrated oncofertility care. Genetic screening for cancer risk variants in infertile populations could identify individuals at heightened risk for malignancies, enabling early surveillance and intervention ( Evans OManchanda and Manchanda, 2020 ). Conversely, cancer patients harboring these mutations should be counseled on potential fertility impairments and offered preservation options prior to gonadotoxic therapies ( Medicine, 2018 ; Parikh et al., 2023 ).

This review addresses three critical gaps:

Mechanistic: How do DNA repair, epigenetic, and hormonal disruptions simultaneously impair fertility and promote cancer?

Clinical: What is the evidence-based phenotypes ( BRCA1 POI, ATM oligospermia) that warrant genetic testing?

Translational: How can assisted reproductive technologies (PGT-M, ICSI) and oncofertility programs mitigate risks?

Methodology

Literature search strategy

The systematic literature search involved PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, and the literature published. The search was limited using keywords and MeSH terms that covered three main concepts underlying the search: (1) infertility and reproductive phenotypes (e.g., “premature ovarian insufficiency,” “(POI),” “diminished ovarian reserve”, “(DOR),” and “azoospermia,” “gametogenesis”); (2) cancer predisposition (e.g., “hereditary cancer syndrome,” “ BRCA1 ,” “ TP53 ,” “Lynch syndrome); and (3) common mechanisms (e.g., “DNA repair,” “homologous recombination,” “epigenetics, “oncofertility”. The connection between these notions was expressed using logical operators (AND, OR). Manual screening of the reference lists of the retrieved articles was also done to find more relevant publications.

Study selection and data extraction

The title and abstract filters were used to filter articles with the full-text review being conducted to filter out ineligible articles. The studies that were selected had to explore the role of a cancer predisposition gene in a reproductive phenotype, clarify a common mechanism of action between oncogenesis and gametogenesis, or provided information on clinical interventions such as fertility preservation or PGT-M in carriers of mutations. Information of chosen sources was pulled out in a standardized format, including gene(s), type of study, mechanistic information, clinical phenotypes and translational applications.

Data synthesis

Since the narrative review design was used, a formal meta-analysis was not implemented. Rather, synthesis of evidence has been done thematically to fulfill objectives of the review: the clarification of common mechanistic pathways, clinical phenotype, and translation implications. Our evidence selection criteria were based on high quality evidence obtained in functional research and clinical cohorts, with clearly differentiating between established and emerging associations in the text, tables and figures.

Shared genetic vulnerabilities linking gametogenesis failure and cancer risk

Shared genetic vulnerabilities: cancer predisposition and reproductive dysfunction

The growing recognition of genes with dual roles in cancer predisposition and infertility reveals fundamental connections between reproductive biology and oncogenesis ( Tarín et al., 2015 ). Among DNA repair genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2 stand out for their critical functions in both maintaining genomic stability and ensuring proper gametogenesis ( Dias Nunes and Demeestere IDevos, 2023 ). BRCA1 mutations are associated with premature ovarian insufficiency through diminished ovarian reserve, as evidenced by lower anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and reduced mature oocyte yield. Oktay et al. (2010) correlated BRCA1 with occult primary ovarian insufficiency, while Derks-Smeets et al. (2017) showed that BRCA1 mutation carriers produced lower numbers of mature oocytes compared to controls. Turan et al. (2018) reported lower oocyte yield in BRCA2 -mutated patients, and Lambertini et al. (2018) found that BRCA -positive women tend to recover fewer oocytes than BRCA -negative breast cancer patients. Beyond heterozygous carriers, biallelic BRCA1 frameshift mutations (c.470_471del; c.791_794del) were recently identified in a patient with isolated diminished ovarian reserve without Fanconi anemia, demonstrating residual DNA repair activity via a truncated del11q isoform ( Helbling-Leclerc et al., 2024 ). Regarding male fertility, the polymorphism N372H in BRCA2 has been associated with idiopathic male infertility with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.06–1.97, P = 0.02) ( Zhoucun et al., 2006 ).

Similar dual phenotypes appear in other homologous recombination genes like PALB2, BRIP1, and RAD51C , which all contribute to both cancer risk and impaired oocyte development ( Toh and Ngeow, 2021 ; Hanson et al., 2023 ; Wang D. et al., 2024 ; Pavanello et al., 2020 ).

The Fanconi anemia pathway genes ( FANCA, FANCC, FANCM ) demonstrate how DNA repair defects can simultaneously cause germ cell depletion and hematologic malignancies ( Nalepa and Clapp, 2018 ). Biallelic FANCM mutations were first identified in a Finnish family with premature ovarian insufficiency ( Kotsakis et al., 2014 ; Fouquet et al., 2017 ) and later confirmed in a large cohort of POI patients ( Heddar et al., 2022 ), establishing FANCM as a cause of female infertility. Specifically, bi-allelic recessive loss-of-function variants in FANCM have been convincingly demonstrated to cause azoospermia and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS), as shown by Kasak et al. ( Kasak et al., 2018 ) in Estonian brothers with compound heterozygous FANCM variants (p.Gln498Thrfs∗7 and c.4387−10A>G). Two additional NOA-affected case subjects with independent FANCM homozygous nonsense variants (p.Gln1701∗ and p.Arg1931∗) were identified, establishing FANCM as a definitive cause of male infertility. ATM and CHEK1 mutations disrupt both fertility and cancer protection. ATM defects cause spermatogenic arrest and leukemia risk, while CHEK1 variants have been associated with premature ovarian failure and breast cancer susceptibility in some studies ( Sadeghi, 2023 ; Guo et al., 2025 ). These dual effects stem from impaired DNA damage response - triggering germ cell loss while permitting somatic cell survival . Clinically, this requires combined fertility and cancer monitoring for mutation carriers ( Wang Y. et al., 2023 ). Mismatch repair genes like MLH1, MSH2 , and MSH6 , known for their association with Lynch syndrome cancers, also play essential roles in meiotic recombination, with their dysfunction leading to gamete aneuploidy and infertility including azoospermia and oligozoospermia ( Tamura et al., 2019 ).

Cell cycle regulators show equally important dual functions. TP53 mutations trigger germ cell apoptosis causing gonadal failure while predisposing to multiple cancers in Li-Fraumeni syndrome ( Rocca et al., 2022 ). PTEN , a critical tumor suppressor in breast and thyroid cancers, also regulates ovarian function and endometrial receptivity ( Ren BZhu and Zhu, 2022 ). The STK11 gene, mutated in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, causes both gonadal tumors and gastrointestinal malignancies. Even metabolic genes like FH demonstrate this pattern, with mutations affecting both implantation and renal cancer development ( Bennett et al., 2021 ).

Several genes show tissue-specific effects that highlight the complexity of these dual roles. DNMT3A mutations drive leukemogenesis through global hypomethylation while causing male infertility via localized hypermethylation at imprinted loci ( Rotondo et al., 2021 ). The DKC1 gene’s role in telomere maintenance means its dysfunction accelerates both ovarian aging and epithelial carcinogenesis.

Integrating preclinical and clinical evidence: from mouse models to human disease

Germline cancer mutations impair fertility through distinct mechanisms. Our analysis of 81 genes ( Table 1 ) shows DNA repair genes ( BRCA1/2, PALB2, ATM, FANCM ) most strongly affect both cancer risk and fertility. To clearly delineate experimental evidence from clinical correlations, this section is organized into three parts: (i) preclinical evidence from mouse models, (ii) clinical evidence in humans, and (iii) integrated mechanistic synthesis.

Preclinical evidence from mouse models

Mouse models reveal that homozygous loss of key DNA repair genes often causes complete sterility, providing mechanistic validation for human infertility phenotypes. As summarized in Table 2 , Brca2 deficiency leads to meiotic impairment and infertility ( Sharan et al., 2004 ), while Brca1 knockout leads to testicular atrophy and meiotic defects ( Simhadri et al., 2014 ). Atm -deficient mice exhibit small testes and infertility ( Barlow et al., 1998 ), and Fancm knockout results in small testes with reduced germ cells ( Tsui et al., 2023 ). Among mismatch repair genes, Mlh1 loss causes spermatogenic arrest ( Edelmann et al., 1996 ), whereas Msh6 deficiency shows no fertility defect ( Mukherjee and Ridgeway Adlamb, 2010 ), suggesting compensatory mechanisms. Trp53 knockout mice demonstrate abnormal spermatogenesis and increased germ cell apoptosis ( Yao et al., 2024 ), while Chek2 deficiency exhibits no reproductive phenotype ( Li et al., 2024 ). Developmental regulators Wt1 and Hoxb13 induce structural defects matching their expression patterns ( Wang et al., 2013 ; Post Lcinnis and Innis, 1999 ).

Clinical evidence in humans

Female Infertility (POI and DOR): The critical role of BRCA2 in ovarian development has been elucidated by Weinberg-Shukron et al. ( Weinberg-Shukron et al., 2018 ), who demonstrated that biallelic hypomorphic BRCA2 variants cause isolated XX ovarian dysgenesis manifesting as absence of spontaneous pubertal development and primary amenorrhea. Cells from affected sisters expressed only 14% of normal BRCA2 protein levels and showed reduced recruitment of RAD51 to double-stranded DNA breaks. Similarly, Caburet et al. ( Caburet et al., 2020 ) reported a homozygous missense c.8524C>T/p.R2842C- BRCA2 variant in a patient with isolated POI without cancer or Fanconi anemia traits, with functional studies showing intermediate levels of chromosomal breaks and partial HR complementation. Regarding BRCA1 , biallelic frameshift mutations (c.470_471del; c.791_794del) were recently identified in a patient with isolated diminished ovarian reserve without Fanconi anemia, demonstrating residual DNA repair activity via a truncated del11q isoform ( Helbling-Leclerc et al., 2024 ).

Beyond individual gene reports, a prospective study of 120 patients with unexplained diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) using a large custom targeted next-generation sequencing panel identified a genetic etiology in 24.2% of cases. Genes belonged to distinct pathways: metabolism and mitochondria (29.7%), follicular growth (24.3%), DNA repair and meiosis (18.9%), aging (16.2%), ovarian development (8.1%), and autophagy (2.7%). Five genes were recurrently mutated: LMNA, ERCC6, SOX8, POLG, and BMPR1B. Additionally, six genes previously identified in single families with POI (GNAS, TGFBR3, XPNPEP2, EXO1, BNC1, ATG) were found in DOR patients, highlighting their role in maintaining ovarian reserve. Notably, no pregnancy was achieved when meiosis/DNA repair genes (including EXO1) were involved, suggesting severely impaired oocyte quality in this subgroup ( Lafraoui et al., 2024 ).

Male Infertility: For BRCA2 , the common variant N372H has been associated with idiopathic male infertility with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia ( Zhoucun et al., 2006 ). ATM heterozygotes show non-obstructive azoospermia with defects tightly linked to meiotic gene expression ( Li et al., 2013 ). Biallelic FANCM mutation was first identified in a Finnish family with POI ( Fouquet et al., 2017 ) and later confirmed in a large cohort of patients with POI ( Heddar et al., 2022 ). Subsequently, biallelic FANCM mutations were identified in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) ( Kasak et al., 2018 ; Yin et al., 2019 ). Table 3 summarizes the human fertility impacts, associated cancer predispositions, and clinical actionability for the major genes discussed in this section.

Integrated mechanistic synthesis

The intricate relationship between DNA repair genes, fertility, and cancer susceptibility is exemplified by several critical genes whose dysfunction disrupts both germline genomic stability and somatic tumor suppression ( Panier and Wang, 2024 ). Among these, BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, and CHEK2 stand out for their pleiotropic roles in maintaining meiotic fidelity and preventing malignant transformation ( Liu et al., 2025 ).

BRCA1 , a cornerstone of homologous recombination (HR) repair, is indispensable for resolving DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) during meiosis ( Olmos et al., 2025 ). In its absence, oocytes and spermatocytes accumulate unrepaired DSBs, leading to premature ovarian insufficiency ( Oktay et al., 2010 ) and BRCA1/2 are required for the completion of embryogenesis ( Tulay et al., 2017 ). These reproductive deficits mirror BRCA1’s role in carcinogenesis, where HR deficiency drives genomic instability in breast, ovarian, and prostate tissues. The shared mechanism lies in failed DSB repair: during meiosis, unresolved breaks trigger germ cell apoptosis, while in somatic cells, they promote oncogenic rearrangements ( Krais and Johnson, 2020 ).

BRCA2 , another HR pathway effector, exhibits an even more pronounced dual phenotype. The protein stabilizes RAD51 filaments during meiotic recombination, and its loss disrupts crossover formation in gametes while permitting mitotic errors in somatic cells ( Deveryshetty et al., 2025 ). This reproductive failure parallels BRCA2 -associated pancreatic cancer and melanoma, where somatic HR defects foster aggressive tumorigenesis ( Mekonnen and Yang HShin, 2022 ).

ATM , a master regulator of DSB signaling, illustrates how cell cycle checkpoint defects impair both reproduction and immunity ( Weitering et al., 2021 ) ( Figure 1 ). Males with ATM mutations exhibit spermatogenic arrest at the pachytene stage, as unrepaired meiotic DSBs activate apoptotic pathways ( Pacheco et al., 2015 ). Concurrently, ATM deficiency predisposes to leukemia and lymphoma due to unchecked proliferation of DNA-damaged lymphocytes ( Lee, 2025 ). The common thread is ATM ’s role in phosphorylating p53 and CHK2 , which coordinate meiotic arrest and somatic cell apoptosis ( Stracker et al., 2013 ).

CHEK2 , a downstream target of ATM , underscores the interplay between DNA damage responses and hormonal regulation ( Smith et al., 2010 ). Mutations in CHEK2 cause premature ovarian insufficiency by inducing p53-mediated oocyte depletion, while concurrently increasing risks of breast and colon cancer via defective cell cycle arrest ( Emori and Boucher Zbolcun-Filas, 2023 ; Mundt et al., 2023 ). This dual pathology arises because CHEK2 phosphorylates both meiotic cohesins (required for chromosome segregation) and somatic tumor suppressors like BRCA1 ( Stolz et al., 2010 ).

The integration of preclinical models and clinical data underscores a fundamental principle: genes critical for maintaining genomic stability exert pleiotropic effects across germline and somatic tissues. The stark infertility observed in mouse knockouts provides mechanistic validation for the subfertility phenotypes seen in human carriers, while the nuanced differences-such as the dissociation between cancer risk and fertility in some MMR genes-highlight the complexity of translating molecular pathways into clinical outcomes. This evidence solidifies the biological link between gametogenesis failure and cancer susceptibility, establishing a compelling rationale for the genetic screening and multidisciplinary oncofertility management strategies discussed in subsequent sections.

Cell cycle regulators

The tumor suppressor genes TP53 and PTEN play pivotal roles in maintaining genomic integrity and regulating cell proliferation, with germline mutations in these genes leading to cancer predisposition syndromes-Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) and Cowden syndrome, respectively ( Rocca et al., 2022 ). Beyond their well-documented oncogenic effects, emerging evidence highlights their critical involvement in reproductive dysfunction, linking defective cell cycle regulation to gonadal failure and endometrial hyperplasia, ultimately contributing to infertility ( Kamal et al., 2016 ).

TP53 , encoding the p53 protein, serves as a master regulator of stress responses, orchestrating cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, or apoptosis in damaged cells ( Wang H. et al., 2023 ). In LFS, germline TP53 mutations result in loss of controlled p53 activity, leading to genomic instability and increased susceptibility to early-onset malignancies, including sarcomas, breast cancer, and brain tumors ( Rocca et al., 2022 ) ( Figure 2 ). However, the impact of TP53 dysfunction extends beyond somatic tissues, significantly affecting germ cell viability ( Timmerman et al., 2021 ). Studies demonstrate that mutant p53 triggers excessive apoptosis in oocytes and spermatogonia, depleting ovarian reserves and impairing spermatogenesis ( Li et al., 2024 ). Male carriers for LFS often present with oligospermia due to germ cell attrition ( Matwiejczyk, 2020 ). Mechanistically, p53’s role in eliminating damaged germ cells becomes dysregulated in LFS, where unchecked apoptotic signaling leads to premature gonadal failure ( Li et al., 2024 ). Similarly, PTEN , a key negative regulator of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, is frequently mutated in Cowden syndrome, predisposing individuals to endometrial, thyroid, and breast cancers ( Dragoo et al., 2021 ). PTEN’s tumor-suppressive function hinges on its ability to restrain PI3K-mediated proliferative signaling, and its loss leads to hyperactivation of AKT, driving uncontrolled cell growth ( Wang et al., 2025 ). In the context of reproduction, PTEN deficiency disrupts endometrial homeostasis, resulting in hyperplasia and impaired implantation, a common cause of infertility in affected women ( Eritja et al., 2021 ). Additionally, PTEN plays a crucial role in follicular quiescence, where its loss accelerates primordial follicle activation, prematurely depleting ovarian reserves and contributing to premature ovarian aging ( Maidarti and Anderson RATelfer, 2020 ). Mouse models with Pten deletions exhibit rapid follicle exhaustion, mirroring the diminished ovarian reserve observed in Cowden syndrome patients ( Hollander and Blumenthal GMDennis, 2011 ).

Epigenetic modifiers

Germline mutations in epigenetic regulators DNMT3A and MTHFR create a fascinating biological paradox, where defects in DNA methylation and folate metabolism pathways simultaneously predispose to both cancer and reproductive dysfunction ( Fardous AMHeydari and Heydari, 2023 ). The DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A illustrates this duality through its tissue-specific effects on epigenetic regulation ( Tóth et al., 2025 ). In hematopoietic stem cells, loss-of-function mutations drive leukemogenesis by causing genome-wide hypomethylation that destabilizes transcriptional programs and promotes malignant transformation, particularly in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes ( Benetatos and Vartholomatos, 2018 ). This oncogenic effect stems from DNMT3A’s crucial role in maintaining proper methylation patterns during cell differentiation ( Challen et al., 2012 ). Remarkably, the same gene exhibits opposite epigenetic consequences in male germ cells, where mutations lead to localized hypermethylation at critical imprinted loci like H19 and MEST during spermatogenesis ( Kerjean et al., 2000 ). This aberrant methylation patterning disrupts the precise epigenetic reprogramming required for proper sperm development, resulting in oligospermia and reduced fertility ( McSwiggin and O'Doherty, 2018 ). The contrast between somatic hypomethylation and germline hypermethylation highlights the context-dependent nature of DNMT3A function, where the same molecular defect produces divergent clinical outcomes through distinct mechanistic pathways ( Poeta et al., 2020 ). Similarly, MTHFR polymorphisms impair folate metabolism in ways that simultaneously increase cancer risk while compromising reproductive success ( Ledowsky and Steel ASchloss, 2021 ).The enzyme’s role in regulating methyl group availability creates a metabolic bottleneck when compromised, leading to genome-wide hypomethylation in rapidly dividing somatic cells that promotes malignant transformation, particularly in colorectal epithelium ( Zhao N. et al., 2024 ). This same metabolic disruption proves catastrophic for early embryonic development, where proper methylation patterning is essential for normal gene expression and chromosomal stability ( Breton-Larrivée and Elder EMcGraw, 2019 ).

Convergent pathways: DNA repair, epigenetics, and hormonal crosstalk

Three interconnected pathways-DNA repair (MLH1), epigenetic regulation (DNMT3A), and hormonal signaling (ESR1)-explain most shared infertility-cancer phenotypes. Their convergence underscores the need for multidisciplinary interventions targeting both reproductive and oncologic outcomes. The maintenance of genomic stability is paramount for both successful reproduction and prevention of malignant transformation ( Yao and Dai, 2014 ). Germline mutations in genes critical for meiotic fidelity (MLH1, MSH6) and telomere homeostasis (DKC1) exemplify how defects in fundamental cellular processes can simultaneously impair fertility and promote carcinogenesis ( Rosta, 2022 ). These dual outcomes arise from shared molecular pathways that, when compromised, manifest differently in germ cells versus somatic tissues.

DNA mismatch repair genes ( MLH1, MSH6 ): meiotic defects and microsatellite instability

The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system, orchestrated by MLH1 and MSH6, plays a pivotal role in maintaining genomic integrity during both meiosis and mitosis ( Figure 3 ) ( Pećina-Šlaus et al., 2020 ). In somatic cells, MMR proteins correct replication errors, particularly in repetitive microsatellite regions ( Aquilina and Bignami, 2001 ). Germline mutations in these genes cause Lynch syndrome, characterized by microsatellite instability (MSI) and markedly elevated risks of colorectal, endometrial, and ovarian cancers ( Mitric et al., 2023 ). ( Dörk et al., 2019 )

Remarkably, these same MMR proteins are indispensable for proper meiotic chromosome segregation. During prophase I, MLH1 marks sites of crossover formation, ensuring proper chiasma frequency and distribution ( Falque et al., 2007 ). Loss of MLH1 or MSH6 function disrupts this process, leading to aberrant meiotic recombination and subsequent production of aneuploid gametes ( Singh et al., 2021 ). Mouse models recapitulate this phenomenon, with Mlh1 knockout females exhibiting complete meiotic arrest and males showing oligospermia.

DKC1 and telomere biology: linking ovarian aging to epithelial cancers

The DKC1 gene encodes dyskerin, a pseudouridine synthase essential for telomerase RNA stabilization and telomere maintenance ( Garus AAutexier and Autexier, 2021 ). Germline DKC1 mutations underlie dyskeratosis congenita (DC), a disorder characterized by progressive telomere shortening that drives both hematopoietic failure and epithelial carcinogenesis ( Savage, 2022 ). Parallel telomere dysfunction in the germline creates equally severe reproductive consequences ( Figure 4 ). Oocytes, which remain arrested in meiotic prophase I for decades, are exquisitely sensitive to DNA damage accumulation ( Ferreira et al., 2023 ). DKC1 mutations accelerate telomere erosion in ovarian follicles, precipitating premature oocyte depletion and early menopause ( Zhu and Xu WLiu, 2023 ). Male carriers similarly exhibit spermatogenic failure due to apoptosis of telomere-deficient spermatogonia. This shared vulnerability of germ cells and epithelial progenitors to telomere dysfunction illustrates how fundamental processes of cellular aging can simultaneously drive both reproductive decline and carcinogenesis ( Pohl et al., 2021 ).

Hormonal dysregulation

Estrogen receptor alpha gene (ESR1) mutations disrupt estrogen signaling, causing progesterone resistance and impaired endometrial receptivity, leading to implantation failure and infertility ( Yilmaz BDBulun and Bulun, 2019 ). In endometriosis, hyperactive ERα promotes inflammatory lesions that damage ovarian tissue and fallopian tubes, while in breast tissue, the same mutations drive cancer via unregulated proliferation ( Guo, 2020 ). This dual effect stems from tissue-specific dysregulation of hormonal pathways - excessive estrogen signaling creates a hostile uterine environment for embryo development while simultaneously fueling oncogenic growth in mammary epithelium ( Bartkowiak-Wieczorek et al., 2024 ). The resulting infertility often manifests as luteal phase defects, recurrent pregnancy loss, and endometriosis-associated subfertility, with treatment challenges due to the need to balance cancer risks with reproductive goals ( Coccia and Nardone LRizzello, 2022 ).

Translational applications: from genetic screening to oncofertility

Clinical translation of these genetic links spans proactive (BRCA1 screening in POI) and reactive strategies (oncofertility preservation). This section prioritizes actionable protocols, such as PGT-M for TP53 and micro-TESE for BRCA2, to address dual risks.

Screening and counseling

Recent studies emphasize the importance of genetic evaluation in infertile patients, particularly those with a personal or strong family history of cancer ( Wood and Rehman HtBedrosian, 2020 ). For women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency, genetic counseling to discuss testing for *BRCA1/2* mutations could be considered, as these genes are implicated in ovarian aging through defective DNA repair ( La and Mastellari, 2021 ). However, universal screening is not currently standard practice, as the penetrance of these genes for causing POI requires further epidemiological validation. The potential contribution of pathogenic variants in genes like BRCA, FMR1, or MCM9 to idiopathic POI highlights a link that warrants further investigation ( Cimadomo et al., 2023 ). Additionally, in the context of a strong family history, Lynch syndrome (MLH1/MSH2 mutations) could be considered in the differential diagnosis for women with unexplained infertility, as these mutations can impair endometrial receptivity. When identified through family history, early genetic diagnosis allows for personalized fertility treatments, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and enhanced cancer surveillance ( Zhao et al., 2022 ).

Oncofertility programs: fertility preservation before cancer therapy

Modern oncofertility programs prioritize egg/sperm cryopreservation before chemotherapy or radiation, significantly improving post-treatment reproductive outcomes ( Pawłowski et al., 2023 ). Key advancements include: Oocyte cryopreservation: Dual ovarian stimulation (follicular + luteal phase) increases yield by 22% in cancer patients ( Alvarez RRamanathan and Ramanathan, 2018 ). Sperm cryopreservation: Microfluidic sorting techniques now achieve 95% post-thaw viability ( Kashaninejad and Shiddiky MJANguyen, 2018 ). Experimental methods: Ovarian tissue freezing shows promise, with 40% live birth rates in recent trials ( Marco et al., 2024 ). Current ASCO guidelines (2024) mandate fertility counseling within 72 h of cancer diagnosis, as it reduces psychological distress and improves quality of life ( Wadasadawala et al., 2024 ). Adolescents who preserve fertility before treatment have 3x lower depression rates during survivorship ( Lehmann et al., 2024 ).

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART)

PGT-M for high-risk variants (TP53)

Recent advances in preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) now enable exclusion of embryos carrying pathogenic variants in cancer predisposition genes like TP53 ( Albujja et al., 2024 ) ( Figure 5 ). TP53-mutant embryos exhibit distinct metabolic profiles during early development, with altered glucose utilization detectable via time-lapse imaging ( Wiecek, 2023 ). Clinical findings indicate substantial reductions in pediatric cancer risk when using PGT-M for families with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, though this approach continues to raise ethical questions about selecting against genetic conditions that manifest in adulthood ( Calosci et al., 2023 ). Additional evidence demonstrates that combining PGT-M with mitochondrial DNA analysis can enhance assisted reproduction success rates, particularly for individuals carrying TP53mutations ( Morales, 2024 ).

ICSI for BRCA2-associated azoospermia

BRCA2’s critical role in meiotic recombination creates unique challenges for male fertility preservation ( Dias Nunes and Demeestere IDevos, 2023 ). Recent studies demonstrate that men with BRCA2-associated azoospermia often retain focal spermatogenesis, achieving 89% sperm retrieval rates via microdissection TESE (vs. 42% in idiopathic cases), making ICSI a viable option ( Bayefsky et al., 2024 ) ( Figure 6 ). However, concerns persist regarding potential transmission of BRCA2 mutations and genomic instability in derived embryos, warranting mandatory PGT-M ( Barrett et al., 2023 ).

Conclusion

The intricate relationship between infertility and cancer predisposition highlights fundamental The intricate relationship between infertility and cancer predisposition underscores fundamental connections between reproductive biology and oncogenesis, driven by shared molecular pathways in DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and epigenetic maintenance. This review demonstrates that germline mutations in genes like BRCA1/2, TP53, and DNMT3A disrupt both reproductive function and cancer suppression, revealing a compelling biological link. Key clinical observations, such as the high sperm retrieval rates in BRCA2-associated azoospermia and the paradoxical, context-dependent actions of DNMT3A, highlight the complexity of these dual roles.

These findings make a strong case for further research into the utility of genetic screening in idiopathic infertility cases and advocate for integrated oncofertility approaches that combine PGT-M, fertility preservation, and enhanced cancer surveillance within a research context. Emerging strategies like antioxidant-supplemented ICSI for BRCA2 carriers and dual ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation demonstrate promising progress in addressing dual risks. Future longitudinal studies are critically needed to establish the true penetrance of infertility phenotypes in carriers of specific cancer-predisposing variants and to quantify the cancer risk in infertile populations with defined genetic etiologies.

However, significant challenges persist, including equitable access to these technologies and the ethical considerations surrounding embryo selection for adult-onset conditions. Future research should prioritize optimizing cryopreservation techniques, exploring therapies targeting shared pathways (PARP inhibitors for HR-deficient oocytes), and conducting long-term studies of ART outcomes in mutation carriers. By recognizing infertility as a potential biomarker for cancer risk and vice versa , we can advance personalized, multidisciplinary care models that bridge reproductive and oncologic medicine. This paradigm shift demands closer collaboration between reproductive endocrinologists, oncologists, and geneticists to translate these mechanistic insights into clinical practice, ultimately improving outcomes for affected individuals.

Funding Statement

The author(s) declared that financial support was not received for this work and/or its publication.

Edited by: Debanjan Chakroborty , University of South Alabama, United States

Reviewed by: Marcia Manterola , University of Chile, Chile

Abdelkader Heddar , Laboratoire National de Santé, Luxembourg

Abbreviations: BRCA1/2, BReast CAncer gene 1/2; TP53, Tumor Protein 53; DNMT3A, DNA Methyltransferase 3 Alpha; ATM, Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated; CHEK2, Checkpoint Kinase 2; HR, Homologous Recombination; DSB, Double-Strand Break; MMR, Mismatch Repair; PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase / Protein Kinase B / Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin; PGT-M, Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders; ICSI, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection; IVF, In Vitro Fertilization; ART, Assisted Reproductive Technology; POI, Premature Ovarian Insufficiency; TESE, Testicular Sperm Extraction; micro-TESE, Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction; LFS, Li-Fraumeni Syndrome; H19, Imprinted maternally expressed transcript (non-protein coding); MEST, Mesoderm-Specific Transcript; DKC1, Dyskerin Pseudouridine Synthase 1; PARP, Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase; MSI, Microsatellite Instability; HRD, Homologous Recombination Deficiency; Lynch syndrome, Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC); ASCO, American Society of Clinical Oncology; PGT-A, Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy.

Author contributions

ZH: Formal Analysis, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft. MA: Formal Analysis, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Conceptualization, Methodology, Validation. AH: Formal Analysis, Visualization, Writing – original draft. ML: Formal Analysis, Writing – original draft. MM: Formal Analysis, Writing – original draft. KS: Formal Analysis, Validation, Visualization, Writing – review and editing.

Conflict of interest

The author(s) declared that this work was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Generative AI statement

The author(s) declared that generative AI was not used in the creation of this manuscript.

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