Genetic Underpinnings of Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

Abstract

Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is a frequent but severe type of male infertility. As one of the most multifaceted male infertility resulting from sperm problems, its genetic etiology remains unknown in most cases. In this review, we systematically sort out the latest literature on clinical reports and animal models leading to OAT, summarise the expression profiles of causative genes for OAT, and highlight the important role of the protein transport system during spermiogenesis, spermatid cell-specific genes, Golgi and acrosome-related genes, manchette-related genes, HTCA-related genes, and axoneme-related genes in OAT development. These causative genes would be instrumental in genetic etiological screening, genetic counseling, and pre-implantation genetic testing of patients with clinical OAT.