Genetic and spermatological aspects of acephalic sperm syndrome

Abstract

Acephalic sperm syndrome is a genetically determined form of primary male infertility associated with teratozoospermia due to  a  disrupted  head-tail  coupling  apparatus.  Acephalic  spermatozoa  syndrome  is  characterized  by  high  proportion of headless (acephalic) spermatozoa in the ejaculate. Sperm morphological changes in this syndrome were characterized, however, the etiology and pathogenesis of this syndrome have not been under evaluated. In recent years, with the progress in sequencing technology and other high-performance methods of genome, proteome and other omics technologies, it has become possible to identify many genetic causes of disorders of spermatogenesis and male infertility, as well as a better understanding of their mechanisms. This article provides a brief overview of the genes associated with acephalic sperm syndrome.