Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) results in a pregnancy rate of approximately 33% in the USA. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection has improved the accessibility of IVF; however, the modest pregnancy rates observed nationwide and increased association of adverse events highlight the need for an improved understanding of the biology of the gametes and embryo, so that improved screening of patients can lead to pre-emptive adjustments to reduce risk and improve outcomes. The sperm cell contributes a haploid genome to the embryo, but also provides essential epigenetic factors about which we are gaining an improved understanding. Epigenetic factors include providing a functional centrosome and chromatin remodeling with a proper replacement of most histones with a 1:1 ratio of protamines 1 and 2. Other potential epigenetic factors include histone modifications and mRNAs and miRNAs carried by the sperm. Sperm DNA fragmentation analysis and aneuploidy detection are clinically available and relevant. Future assays will likely be developed to address the potential role of abnormal epigenetic function.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.