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The role of human and mouse Y chromosome genes in male infertility

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Abstract

It was suggested by Ronald Fisher in 1931 that genes involved in benefit to the male (including spermatogenesis genes) would accumulate on the Y chromosome. The analysis of mouse Y chromosome deletions and the discovery of microdeletions of the human Y chromosome associated with diverse defective spermatogenic phenotypes has revealed the presence of intervals containing one or more genes controlling male germ cell differentiation. These intervals have been mapped, cloned and examined in detail for functional genes. This review discusses the genes mapping to critical spermatogenesis intervals and the evidence indicating which are the most likely candidates underlying Y-linked male infertility.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK

    Nabeel A. Affara

  2. INSERM U.491, Génétique Médicale et Dévelopement, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille Cedex, France

    M. J. Mitchell

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  1. Nabeel A. Affara
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  2. M. J. Mitchell
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Affara, N.A., Mitchell, M.J. The role of human and mouse Y chromosome genes in male infertility. J Endocrinol Invest 23, 630–645 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03343787

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