Abstract:

Post-transcriptional mechanisms play an important role in the biology of germ cells, where they control key developmental decisions in cell division, differentiation and death. Because these post-transcriptional controls are cell-type-specific, and often utilize germ-cell-specific RNA-binding proteins, they provide useful diagnostic markers for male infertility and testicular cancer. Investigation of the genetics of male infertility in men and model organisms suggests that disruption of post-transcriptional control mechanisms can cause specific germ cell pathologies, and these studies point to future possible therapeutic routes for restoring spermatogenesis.

Keywords: GERM LINE; HUMAN SPERMATOGENESIS; HUMAN SPERMIOGENESIS; MALE INFERTILITY; POST-TRANSCRIPTION; TESTICULAR CANCER

Document Type: Conference report

Affiliations: 1: Institute of Human Genetics, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle NE1 3BZ, UK