The role of Y-encoded genes in mammalian spermatogenesis

As long ago as 1931 Fisher outlined the reasons for the accumulation of male 'benefit genes' (e.g. male fertility factors) on the Y chromosome, but it was over four decades later that a study of men with partial Y chromosome deletions revealed that a factor essential for male fertility was present on the human Y. Today, the Y deletion interval containing this 'Azoospermia Factor' (AZF) has been subdivided into three subintervals associated with different degrees of spermatogenic impairment. Furthermore, three deletion intervals have been identified on the mouse Y that impact on the spermatogenic process. This review examines these deletion intervals in mouse and man and summarises progress towards identifying candidate genes for their respective spermatogenic functions.