Genetics of Male Infertility. Homo sapiens

Spermatogenesis is a complex biological process that requires the coordination of thousands of genes. Perhaps because of the large number of genes involved, spermatogenic failure occurs frequently and affects approximately 1% of men. While environmental and genetic factors likely contribute to this disorder, it is thought that the majority of cases have an underlying genetic basis. To identify genes that are required for spermatogenesis, we have performed capture-based targeted sequencing in 301 men with azoospermia (complete absence of sperm) and 300 fertile controls. Our sequencing is focused on coding genes and conserved, non-coding sequences of the X and Y chromosomes.