Spermatogenesis in humans and its affecting factors

Filipe Tenorio Lira Neto; Phil Vu Bach; Bobby B Najari; Philip S Li; Marc Goldstein

doi:10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.04.009

Spermatogenesis in humans and its affecting factors

Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2016 Nov:59:10-26. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.04.009. Epub 2016 Apr 30.

Authors

Filipe Tenorio Lira Neto¹, Phil Vu Bach¹, Bobby B Najari¹, Philip S Li¹, Marc Goldstein²

Affiliations

¹ Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Microsurgery, Department of Urology and Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States.
² Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Microsurgery, Department of Urology and Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States. Electronic address: mgoldst@med.cornell.edu.

PMID: 27143445
DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.04.009

Abstract

Spermatogenesis is an extraordinary complex process. The differentiation of spermatogonia into spermatozoa requires the participation of several cell types, hormones, paracrine factors, genes and epigenetic regulators. Recent researches in animals and humans have furthered our understanding of the male gamete differentiation, and led to clinical tools for the better management of male infertility. There is still much to be learned about this intricate process. In this review, the critical steps of human spermatogenesis are discussed together with its main affecting factors.

Keywords: Genetics; Germ cells; Human spermatogenesis; Male infertility; Reproduction; Sperm; Testis; Testosterone; Varicocele.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Epigenesis, Genetic
Humans
Male
Models, Biological
Paracrine Communication
Spermatogenesis* / genetics