The Y Chromosome and Spermatogenesis

Abstract

Infertility affects approximately 1 man in 25. In about 30 to 40 percent of affected men, the results of semen analyses are abnormal but no cause of the infertility can be found. Therapeutic approaches are limited because there is inadequate knowledge of the pathogenesis of the abnormal spermatogenesis. Recent studies indicate that genetic causes, linked to the Y chromosome, may be important in some cases.It is well known that the Y chromosome directs the indifferent gonad of the early embryo to form a testis. There is increasing evidence that the Y chromosome — in particular, genes on its long . . .