Makings of the Best Spermatozoa: Molecular Determinants of High Fertility

Abstract

What is the significance of sperm in reproduction? Recent studies have demonstrated surprising clues that have changed the answers to this question. In addition to providing half of the genome of a mammalian organism, sperm also contributes other molecules such as mRNA, microRNAs (miRNA), proteins, and metabolites that are vitally important for fertility (Feugang et al., 2009, 2010; Peddinti et al., 2008). Furthermore, molecular health of the sperm chromatin and DNA quality also play major roles in sperm viability. Put together, these recent advances have produced a wealth of new knowledge that can provide a systems biology point of view for fertility. These findings highlight the fact that changes in sperm DNA and expressed gene products provide information on the effects of environment on development and disease.