Will whole-genome sequencing become the first-line genetic analysis for male infertility in the near future?

Abstract

Whereas the initially strategy for the genetic analysis of male infertility was based on a candidate gene approach, the development of next-generation sequencing technologies (such as whole-exome sequencing (WES)) provides an opportunity to analyze many genes in a single procedure. In order to recommend WES or whole-genome sequencing (WGS) after genetic counselling, an objective evaluation of the current genetic screening strategy for male infertility is required, even if, at present, we have to take into consideration the complexity of such a procedure, not discussed in this commentary.