Genetic Causes of Male Infertility and Emerging Potential of Stem Cell Therapeutics

Infertility has haunted mankind from ancient times. In 40 to 50% of the cases resulting in failure to conceive, the cause can be attributed to male infertility. The rates of infertility have risen in the past few decades among both among men and women. The reasons can be attributed to life style changes and environmental pollution apart from genetic causes. Scientists have found out few possible causes of male infertility and there are few treatment measures currently being carried out. The success of these depends on the primary cause of the infertility problem. In the past few decades, a number of genes playing roles in different stages of sperm development and differentiation were functionally analysed. This knowledge coupled with the advancements in stem cell technology and in vitro gametogenesis has led to new frontiers in possible therapeutic measures of male infertility, especially those with genetic causes. The present study focuses on the causes and treatment of male infertility focussing mainly on important genetic regulations and emerging stem cell-based therapeutics.