The "omics" of human male infertility: integrating big data in a systems biology approach

Spermatogenesis is a complex process in which >2300 genes are temporally and spatially regulated to form a terminally differentiated sperm cell that must maintain the ability to contribute to a totipotent embryo which can successfully differentiate into a healthy individual. This process is dependent on fidelity of the genome, epigenome, transcriptome, and proteome of the spermatogonia, supporting cells, and the resulting sperm cell. Infertility and/or disease risk may increase in the offspring if abnormalities are present. This review highlights the recent advances in our understanding of these processes in light of the "omics revolution". We briefly review each of these areas, as well as highlight areas of future study and needs to advance further.