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Author Spotlight: Advancing Male Infertility Research by Unraveling Sperm Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function
Published on: June 23, 2023
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Towards a Multi-Omics of Male Infertility
Ana Ogrinc Wagner1, Aleksander Turk1, Tanja Kunej2
1Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Domžale, Slovenia.
The World Journal of Men'S Health
|January 17, 2023
Summary
Male infertility stems from genetic and multiple omics factors. An integrated multi-omics approach offers a holistic view for improved diagnostics and treatments for male infertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Genetics
- Omics sciences
Background:
- Male infertility affects 30% of infertile couples, with genetic factors playing a significant role.
- Previous research focused on chromosomal abnormalities and protein-coding genes, identifying numerous disease-associated genes.
- Emerging evidence highlights contributions from various omics levels, necessitating a comprehensive approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review known factors across genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, glycomics, lipidomics, and miRNomics contributing to male infertility.
- To emphasize the value of an integrated, multi-omics analysis for understanding the complex etiology of male infertility.
- To advocate for a shift towards multi-omics strategies for improved diagnostics and therapeutic development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on male infertility across multiple omics disciplines.
- Identification and synthesis of known genetic, epigenetic, and molecular factors associated with male infertility.
- Discussion of the limitations of current diagnostic approaches and the potential of multi-omics integration.
Main Results:
- Identified factors include repeat expansions (e.g., AR, POLG), SNPs, AZF copy number variants, disregulated miRNAs, altered H3K9 methylation, differential DNA methylation (e.g., MTHFR), and changes in protamine ratios and protein phosphorylation.
- Current routine genetic testing for male infertility is limited to chromosomal abnormalities and Y chromosome microdeletions.
- A multi-omics perspective reveals a complex interplay of factors contributing to male infertility phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- An integrated multi-omics approach is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of male infertility.
- This approach can lead to the discovery of novel genetic causes and biomarkers.
- Future multi-omics studies promise to enhance screening methods and treatment options for male infertility.
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