Searching for Causes of Infertility: From Pathophysiologic Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies

It is known, that infertility affects approximately 10-18% of couples at reproductive age. It is estimated that approximately 7% of men and 12% of women worldwide are affected by infertility and about 40-60% of all infertility cases originate from the male side. However, an enormous part of diagnoses remains unresolved (idiopathic), so far. Male genetic factor includes gametogenic arrest, i.e. azoospermia in approx. 1% of the total male population, and 15-20% within infertile males. Female factors comprise a wide range of causes affecting ovarian development, maturation of oocytes, and fertilization competence, as well as the potential of a fertilized egg for preimplantation development, implantation, and fetal growth. The respective feature seems to be alarming, especially in the light of decreasing demography in the developed countries. This reflects a poor understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying gametogenesis and fertilization.

The aim of the current Research Topic is to collect recent, and novel research trends in the genetics of human infertility field. Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:

- Genetic Basis of Male or Female Reproductive Failure Cases Description
- Searching for Causes of Infertility (incl.: Mutation Screening (Genes and Chromosomes), Hormonal Disturbances, Environmental Factors)
- Disturbances in Meiosis (incl.: Chromosomal or Genetic Abnormalities)
- Epigenetic Influence on Reproductive Development or Infertility
- Animal or Cellular Models in Reproduction and Infertility.

In this Research Topic, we invite authors to submit original research papers or review articles focused on the topics concerning the genetic basis of male or female reproductive failure, considering issues linked to searching for causes of observed infertility, especially in the light of molecular genetics testing. Also, cases supported also by the data of hormonal disturbances, chromosomal abnormalities or environmental influence on meiosis are welcome. A large proportion of idiopathic infertility cases points out a strong need for new data determining possible basis and/or mechanisms responsible for observed reproductive failure.