Genetic Aspects of Male Sterility

  • Peter H. Vogt
Chapter
Part of the Serono Symposia USA book series (SERONOSYMP)

Abstract

The complex cell differentiation process of the male germ cell, spermatogen-esis, is a typical example of a regulative biological network based on the interaction of multiple genes, respectively, the interactions of their expression products (RNAs, proteins). This process starts between days 21 and 26 postconception [i.e., in early embryogenesis (1)], and produces the first wave of motile spermatozoa at puberty. Genetic networks are generally nested one inside the other, building up a complex interactive and open system. Thus, the process of spermatogenesis is nested in the process of development of the male gonad. The process of male gonad development is nested in the process of embryo development. As a consequence, male sterility, as a secondary effect, is also caused by the disruption of genes functioning in the development of the male gonad and by disruption of genes functioning in somatic tissues (“pleiotropic male sterility”).

Keywords

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Male Sterility Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Male Gonad Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Mutation 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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© Springer Science+Business Media New York 1999

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  • Peter H. Vogt

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