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The Genetics of Male Infertility pp 145–163Cite as

DNA Repair Genes and Genomic Instability in Severe Male Factor Infertility

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Abstract

The maintenance of genomic integrity is of key importance for gametogenesis. Nevertheless, the processes of DNA replication, mitosis, and meiosis are surprisingly error-prone and subject to damage. Accordingly, a series of DNA repair mechanisms have evolved that recognize and repair DNA damage and DNA replication errors to maintain the fidelity of the DNA sequence. Gradually translating findings from targeted gene deletion and mutant mouse models to human male infertility, we have learned that the processes of mitosis and meiosis require proper functioning of the entire DNA repair mechanism in the cell for normal fertility to be present in the male. This chapter focuses on our current understanding of the processes required for the maintenance of DNA integrity during spermatogensis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX

    Francesca K. E. Gordon BS

  2. Molecular and Cellular Biology and Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX

    Dolores J. Lamb PhD

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  1. Francesca K. E. Gordon BS
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  2. Dolores J. Lamb PhD
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Surgery (Urology), Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Physiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT

    Douglas T. Carrell PhD

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Gordon, F.K.E., Lamb, D.J. (2007). DNA Repair Genes and Genomic Instability in Severe Male Factor Infertility. In: Carrell, D.T. (eds) The Genetics of Male Infertility. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-176-5_9

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