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Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats
Published on: October 13, 2018
Mouse models in male fertility research
Duangporn Jamsai1, Moira K O'Bryan
1Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, The Australian Research Council (ARC), Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia. Duangporn.Jamsai@monash.edu
Mouse models are crucial for understanding male infertility genetics, accelerating the discovery of over 400 fertility-related genes. Further research using these models is essential to identify thousands more genes involved in male reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Reproductive Biology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Genetic causes of male infertility are poorly understood, limiting treatment options.
- Human studies are slow and complex; in vitro models are insufficient.
- Animal models, especially mice, are vital for genetic research in male fertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utility of mouse models in identifying genes related to male infertility.
- To highlight advancements in understanding male fertility regulation through mouse models.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing knockout/knockin/gene-trapped, transgenic, and chemically induced mutant mouse models.
- Reviewing existing literature on gene identification in male fertility.
Main Results:
- Over 400 genes essential for male fertility have been identified using mouse models.
- Mouse models have significantly advanced knowledge of post-natal germ cell development and fertility regulation.
Conclusions:
- Mouse models are indispensable tools for unraveling the genetic complexity of male fertility.
- Thousands of genes regulating male fertility remain to be characterized, necessitating continued research with animal models.
