Spermatozoal Chromatin Structure: Role in Sperm Functions and Fertilization

摘要: It is well known that sperm a vehicle delivers the haploid paternal genome to oocyte and an intact complete genetic material required for normal embryo development. During spermiogenesis, formation of mature spermatozoa results in extreme compacted DNA nucleus with respect somatic nucleus. To reach such compaction, dramatic reorganization occurs developing spermatids where vast majority histones are replaced by small basic proteins called protamines. The improper histone replacement or deficient protamination may not only be marker abnormal spermiogenesis but also affect fertilization reproductive outcomes. considered inactive, role retained emerged recent studies demonstrating inherited deliver epigenetic marks involved activation key genes embryogenesis. Consequently, chromatin status process development health offspring indicating more complex than previously believed. In this chapter, we illustrate structure organization. Additionally, describe details abnormalities frequently found human their possible causes. We review evidences reported literature regarding association between male infertility as natural assisted reproduction