Azoospermia factor (AZF) is one of several proteins or their genes, which are coded from the AZF region on the human male Y chromosome. [1] Deletions in this region are associated with inability to produce sperm. [2] Subregions within the AZF region are AZFa (sometimes AZF1), AZFb and AZFc (together referred to as AZF2).

Most of these genes are located in a specific region known as the azoospermia factor region (AZF) in the long arm of the human Y chromosome. AZF microdeletions are recognized as the most frequent structural chromosomal abnormalities and are the major cause of male infertility.

Analysis of the 14 different AZF genes or gene families argues for the existence of functional asymmetries between the determinants; while some are prominent players in spermatogenesis, others seem to modulate more subtly the program.

Cytogenetic studies in infertile men have revealed a gene that controls spermatogenesis, designated as azoospermia factor (AZF), localized on the long arm of the Y chromosome [2]. The presence of three spermatogenesis loci in Yq11 was …

Approximately 3–15% of men with azoospermia and 6–8% of men with oligospermia have a microdeletion on the Y chromosome in the AZF region that contains genes involved in spermatogenesis. AZF is divided into three regions, AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc.

Feb 24, 2023 · The presence of microdeletions in the Y-chromosome azoospermia factor (AZF) region (YCMs) is considered the most frequent genetic cause of male infertility along with Klinefelter syndrome.

Microdeletions of the Y chromosome long arm are the most common mutations in infertile males, where they involve one or more "azoospermia factors" (AZFa, b, and c). Understanding of the AZF structure and gene content and mapping of the …

This review outlines the structures, candidate genes and deletions of AZF, especially AZFc, along with their relationship with spermatogenesis, so as to provide a theoretical basis for clinical prenatal diagnosis and treatment of infertility.

In the clinical practice, karyotype abnormalities and Azoospermia Factor (AZF) microdeletions are routinely screened in azoospermic patients due to primary testicular failure. Gene mutation screening based on targeted-gene panels should be recommended when either Congenital Bilateral Absence of Vas Deferens (CBAVD) or Congenital ...

The azoospermia factor (AZF) regions consist of three genetic domains in the long arm of the human Y chromosome referred to as AZFa, AZFb and AZFc. These are of importance for male fertility since they are home to genes required for spermatogenesis. In this paper a comprehensive analysis of AZF structure and gene content will be undertaken.