Taking 13 years to complete, the Human Genome Project sequenced the entire euchromatic human genome. The accomplishment was hoped to offer solutions to many of man’s most befuddling medical conditions, male infertility a prime example. What was discovered, however, was the tip of the iceberg. The sequence of base pairs only begins to shed light on the complex interplay between pre-translational, translational, and related factors that determine fertility potential.

This focused series of Translational Andrology and Urology explores our current understanding of the genetic causes and management of male infertility. Beginning with reviews of the basic genetic etiologies and relevant tests, this series then delves into well-known causes of male infertility including Y chromosome copy number variations, Y chromosome microdeletions, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene mutations, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. A novel review collates the available literature on nutrigenomics, detailing the interplay between diet, genetic makeup, and fecundity.

Disclosure:
The focused issue “Genetic Causes and Management of Male Infertility” was commissioned by the editorial office, Translational Andrology and Urology without any sponsorship or funding. Keith Jarvi and Jared Bieniek are are serving as the unpaid Guest Editors for the focused issue.