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Cariati F, Carotenuto C, Bagnulo F, Pacella D, Marrone V, Paolillo R, Catania MR, Di Girolamo R, Conforti A, Strina I, Alviggi C. Endometrial microbiota profile in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) patients by culturomics-based analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1204729. [PMID: 37635964 PMCID: PMC10450216 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1204729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction It is well recognized that the human uterus and adjoining tissues of the female reproductive tract exist in a non-sterile state where dysbiosis can impact reproductive outcomes. The endometrial microbiota is a part of this greater milieu. To date, it has largely been studied using 16S rRNA or metagenomics-based methodologies. Despite the known advantages of sequencing analysis, several difficulties have been noted including sample contamination and standardization of DNA extraction or sequencing. The aim of this study was to use a culturomics-based method to analyze the endometrial microbiota and correlate the results with ongoing pregnancy rates. Methods A prospective cohort study was performed at the University of Naples from June 2022 to December 2022. Ninety-three patients undergoing an IVF cycle with single embryo transfer (ET) (fresh or frozen) were enrolled in the study. Following ET, the catheter tip was inserted into brain heart infusion (BHI) medium under sterile conditions for culture. After 24h and 48h of incubation the microorganisms in the colonies were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Results Overall, 68 (73,92%) patients resulted positive for one or more microbes and 25 patients (26,08%) had no microbial growth. Across all participants, the four most important phyla were Firmicutes (87,76%), Proteobacteria (27,94%), Actinobacteria (10,29%) and Ascomycota (8,82%). Lactobacillus species, in particular, was significantly correlated with ongoing pregnancy rate (p=0,05). On the other hand, Staphylococcus subspecies (spp.) (p<0,05) and Enterobacteriaceae (p<0,001) were found to have a negative impact on the implantation rate. Discussion Detection of bacteria by culturomics from catheter tips used for embryo transfer has been shown to be a reliable method to detect pathogen growth. Endometrial microbiota testing in clinical practice could certainly offer a means to further improve diagnosis and treatment strategies in IVF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Cariati
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Consolata Carotenuto
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Bagnulo
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Pacella
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Marrone
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rossella Paolillo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Catania
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Di Girolamo
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ida Strina
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Babaei K, Aziminezhad M, Norollahi SE, Vahidi S, Samadani AA. Cell therapy for the treatment of reproductive diseases and infertility: an overview from the mechanism to the clinic alongside diagnostic methods. Front Med 2022; 16:827-858. [PMID: 36562947 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-022-0948-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is experienced by 8%-12% of adults in their reproductive period globally and has become a prevalent concern. Besides routine therapeutic methods, stem cells are rapidly being examined as viable alternative therapies in regenerative medicine and translational investigation. Remarkable progress has been made in understanding the biology and purpose of stem cells. The affected pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are further studied for their possible use in reproductive medicine, particularly for infertility induced by premature ovarian insufficiency and azoospermia. Accordingly, this study discusses current developments in the use of some kinds of MSCs such as adipose-derived stem cells, bone marrow stromal cells, umbilical cord MSCs, and menstrual blood MSCs. These methods have been used to manage ovarian and uterine disorders, and each technique presents a novel method for the therapy of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosar Babaei
- Non-Communicable Disease Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Mohsen Aziminezhad
- Non-Communicable Disease Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.,UMR INSERM U 1122, IGE-PCV, Interactions Gène-Environment En Physiopathologie Cardiovascular Université De Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Seyedeh Elham Norollahi
- Cancer Research Center and Department of Immunology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Sogand Vahidi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Samadani
- Guilan Road Trauma Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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Precone V, Notarangelo A, Marceddu G, D'Agruma L, Cannarella R, Calogero AE, Cristofoli F, Guerri G, Paolacci S, Castori M, Bertelli M. A simultaneous next-generation sequencing approach to the diagnosis of couple infertility. Minerva Endocrinol (Torino) 2021; 47:4-10. [PMID: 33988008 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6507.21.03477-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a disorder of the male and/or female reproductive system, characterized by failure to establish a clinical pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. On a world basis, about one in six couplesare affected by infertility during their reproductive lifespan. Despite a comprehensive diagnostic work-up, infertility in about 50% of couples remains idiopathic. In this context, a next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach has been suggested to increase diagnostic yield. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a custom-made NGS gene panel for the simultaneous genetic diagnosis of both partners of a large population of infertile couples. METHODS We developed a custom-made NGS panel for 229 genes associated with male and female infertility. The panel targeted exons and their flanking regions and was used to screen 99 couples with idiopathic infertility. RESULTS NGS sequencing revealed five pathogenic variants in six couples and 17 likely pathogenic variants or variants with uncertain significance (VUS). The pathogenic variants were identified in the following genes: GNRHR, CCDC39, DNAH5, and CCDC103; likely pathogenic variants were identified in TAC3, PROKR2, and CFTR; VUS were identified in CATSPER2, FGFR1, LRRC6, DNAH5, DNAH11, TGFBR3, and DNAI1. CONCLUSIONS The panel of genes designed for this study allowed the identification of pathogenetic gene mutations and the presence of VUS in 6.1% and 17.2%, respectively, of couples with idiopathic infertility. This is the first study to successfully apply an NGS-based genetic screening including 229 genes known to play a role in both male and female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelantonio Notarangelo
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo D'Agruma
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Marco Castori
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Matteo Bertelli
- MAGI Euregio, Bolzano, Italy.,MAGI'S LAB, Rovereto, Trento, Italy
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Microbiological Evaluation and Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Semen Samples of Patients Undergoing Fertility Investigation. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050654. [PMID: 33925640 PMCID: PMC8145398 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fifteen percent of male infertility is associated with urogenital infections; several pathogens are able to alter the testicular and accessory glands' microenvironment, resulting in the impairment of biofunctional sperm parameters. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of urogenital infections on the quality of 53 human semen samples through standard analysis, microbiological evaluation, and molecular characterization of sperm DNA damage. The results showed a significant correlation between infected status and semen volume, sperm concentration, and motility. Moreover, a high risk of fragmented sperm DNA was demonstrated in the altered semen samples. Urogenital infections are often asymptomatic and thus an in-depth evaluation of the seminal sample can allow for both the diagnosis and therapy of infections while providing more indicators for male infertility management.
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One4Two ®: An Integrated Molecular Approach to Optimize Infertile Couples' Journey. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12010060. [PMID: 33401665 PMCID: PMC7824287 DOI: 10.3390/genes12010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The current diagnostic path of infertile couples is long lasting and often ineffective. Genetic tests, in particular, appear as a limiting step due to their jeopardized use on one side, and to the limited number of genes evaluated on the other. In this context, the development and diffusion, also in routine diagnostic settings, of next generation sequencing (NGS)-based methods for the analyses of several genes in multiple subjects at a time is improving the diagnostic sensitivity of molecular analyses. Thus, we developed One4Two®, a custom NGS panel to optimize the diagnostic journey of infertile couples. The panel validation was carried out in three steps analyzing a total of 83 subjects. Interestingly, all the previously identified variants were confirmed, assessing the analytic sensitivity of the method. Moreover, additional pathogenic variants have been identified underlying the diagnostic efficacy of the proposed method. One4Two® allows the simultaneous analysis of infertility-related genes, disease-genes of common inherited diseases, and of polymorphisms related to therapy outcome. Thus, One4Two® is able to improve the diagnostic journey of infertile couples by simplifying the whole process not only for patients, but also for laboratories and reproduction specialists moving toward an even more personalized medicine.
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Carbone L, Cariati F, Sarno L, Conforti A, Bagnulo F, Strina I, Pastore L, Maruotti GM, Alviggi C. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing: Current Perspectives and Future Challenges. Genes (Basel) 2020; 12:genes12010015. [PMID: 33374411 PMCID: PMC7824607 DOI: 10.3390/genes12010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal aneuploidies are among the most common causes of miscarriages, perinatal mortality and neurodevelopmental impairment. During the last 70 years, many efforts have been made in order to improve prenatal diagnosis and prenatal screening of these conditions. Recently, the use of cell-free fetal DNA (cff-DNA) testing has been increasingly used in different countries, representing an opportunity for non-invasive prenatal screening of pregnant women. The aim of this narrative review is to describe the state of the art and the main strengths and limitations of this test for prenatal screening of fetal aneuploidies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Carbone
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.C.); (L.S.); (A.C.); (I.S.); (G.M.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Federica Cariati
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a.r.l., 80145 Naples, Italy;
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Policlinico Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3331219825
| | - Laura Sarno
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.C.); (L.S.); (A.C.); (I.S.); (G.M.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Alessandro Conforti
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.C.); (L.S.); (A.C.); (I.S.); (G.M.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Francesca Bagnulo
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Policlinico Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Ida Strina
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.C.); (L.S.); (A.C.); (I.S.); (G.M.M.); (C.A.)
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Policlinico Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Lucio Pastore
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a.r.l., 80145 Naples, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maria Maruotti
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.C.); (L.S.); (A.C.); (I.S.); (G.M.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Scienze Riproduttive ed Odontostomatologiche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.C.); (L.S.); (A.C.); (I.S.); (G.M.M.); (C.A.)
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Policlinico Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Istituto per l’Endocrinologia e l’Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, 80131 Naples, Italy
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7
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Clinical Evaluation of a Custom Gene Panel as a Tool for Precision Male Infertility Diagnosis by Next-Generation Sequencing. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10100242. [PMID: 33076341 PMCID: PMC7602585 DOI: 10.3390/life10100242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 15% of couples are infertile and male factor infertility accounts for approximately 50% of these cases. Male infertility is a multifactorial pathological condition. The genetic of male infertility is very complex and at least 2000 genes are involved in its etiology. Genetic testing by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies can be relevant for its diagnostic value in male infertile patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to implement the diagnostic offer with the use of an NGS panel for the identification of genetic variants. METHODS We developed an NGS gene panel that we used in 22 male infertile patients. The panel consisted of 110 genes exploring the genetic causes of male infertility; namely spermatogenesis failure due to single-gene mutations, central hypogonadism, androgen insensitivity syndrome, congenital hypopituitarism, and primary ciliary dyskinesia. RESULTS NGS and a subsequent sequencing of the positive pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants, 5 patients (23%) were found to have a molecular defect. In particular, pathogenic variants were identified in TEX11, CCDC39, CHD7, and NR5A1 genes. Moreover, 14 variants of unknown significance and 7 novel variants were found that require further functional studies and family segregation. CONCLUSION This extended NGS-based diagnostic approach may represent a useful tool for the diagnosis of male infertility. The development of a custom-made gene panel by NGS seems capable of reducing the proportion of male idiopathic infertility.
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Lian DS, Chen XY, Zeng HS, Wang YY. Capillary electrophoresis based on nucleic acid analysis for diagnosing inherited diseases. Clin Chem Lab Med 2020; 59:249-266. [PMID: 32374277 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2020-0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Most hereditary diseases are incurable, but their deterioration could be delayed or stopped if diagnosed timely. It is thus imperative to explore the state-of-the-art and high-efficient diagnostic techniques for precise analysis of the symptoms or early diagnosis of pre-symptoms. Diagnostics based on clinical presentations, hard to distinguish different phenotypes of the same genotype, or different genotypes displaying similar phenotypes, are incapable of pre-warning the disease status. Molecular diagnosis is ahead of harmful phenotype exhibition. However, conventional gold-standard molecular classifications, such as karyotype analysis, Southern blotting (SB) and sequencing, suffer drawbacks like low automation, low throughput, prolonged duration, being labor intensive and high cost. Also, deficiency in flexibility and diversity is observed to accommodate the development of precise and individualized diagnostics. The aforementioned pitfalls make them unadaptable to the increasing clinical demand for detecting and interpreting numerous samples in a rapid, accurate, high-throughput and cost-effective manner. Nevertheless, capillary electrophoresis based on genetic information analysis, with advantages of automation, high speed, high throughput, high efficiency, high resolution, digitization, versatility, miniature and cost-efficiency, coupled with flexible-designed PCR strategies in sample preparation (PCR-CE), exhibit an excellent power in deciphering cryptic molecular information of superficial symptoms of genetic diseases, and can analyze in parallel a large number of samples in a single PCR-CE, thereby providing an alternative, accurate, customized and timely diagnostic tool for routine screening of clinical samples on a large scale. Thus, the present study focuses on CE-based nucleic acid analysis used for inherited disease diagnosis. Also, the limitations and challenges of this PCR-CE for diagnosing hereditary diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Sheng Lian
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center of Guangzhou Medical University, NO. 9 at Jinsui Rd., Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.,Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Xiang-Yuan Chen
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center of Guangzhou Medical University, NO. 9 at Jinsui Rd., Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Hua-Song Zeng
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center of Guangzhou Medical University, NO. 9 at Jinsui Rd., Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Yi Wang
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, P.R. China
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Cariati F, D'Argenio V, Izquierdo R, Tomaiuolo R. From laboratory bench to benchmark: technology transfer in laboratory medicine. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:353. [PMID: 32355797 PMCID: PMC7186617 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Life Sciences research, enhancing the occurrence of innovation, is able to impact clinical decision-making, both at diagnosis and therapy. Indeed, starting from the knowledge of specific needs and of technical-scientific demands, researchers can conceive and experiment innovative solutions. Despite these strengths, transferring research to the market in Life Sciences shows considerable criticalities. The aim of this paper is to provide concrete evidences on the processes of technology transfer based on the exploitation of the results obtained by KronosDNAsrl, an academic spin-off focused on reproductive medicine. Methods Different tools were used to evaluate the technical feasibility (validation of the results obtained with the prototype) and to manage the technology transfer process of One4Two®. Results The different analyses we carried out showed the feasibility of the proposed solution. As a result, the One4Two® prototype has been developed and validated. Conclusions Here, we provide a strength of evidences on how knowledge obtained by translational research on “bench” can be used to be transferred to the market on “benchmark” enabling innovation in Laboratory Medicine. In addition, the model described for One4Two® can be easily transferred to other products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria D'Argenio
- KronosDNA Srl, Spinoff of Università Federico II, Napoli, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy.,CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Scarl, Napoli, Italy
| | - Raul Izquierdo
- Interlid Healthcare Sl, Av. Monasterio Escorial 10, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rossella Tomaiuolo
- KronosDNA Srl, Spinoff of Università Federico II, Napoli, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy.,CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Scarl, Napoli, Italy
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10
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Cariati F, D'Argenio V, Tomaiuolo R. The evolving role of genetic tests in reproductive medicine. J Transl Med 2019; 17:267. [PMID: 31412890 PMCID: PMC6694655 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-2019-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is considered a major public health issue, and approximately 1 out of 6 people worldwide suffer from infertility during their reproductive lifespans. Thanks to technological advances, genetic tests are becoming increasingly relevant in reproductive medicine. More genetic tests are required to identify the cause of male and/or female infertility, identify carriers of inherited diseases and plan antenatal testing. Furthermore, genetic tests provide direction toward the most appropriate assisted reproductive techniques. Nevertheless, the use of molecular analysis in this field is still fragmented and cumbersome. The aim of this review is to highlight the conditions in which a genetic evaluation (counselling and testing) plays a role in improving the reproductive outcomes of infertile couples. We conducted a review of the literature, and starting from the observation of specific signs and symptoms, we describe the available molecular tests. To conceive a child, both partners' reproductive systems need to function in a precisely choreographed manner. Hence to treat infertility, it is key to assess both partners. Our results highlight the increasing importance of molecular testing in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria D'Argenio
- KronosDNA srl, Spinoff of Università Federico II, Naples, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.
| | - Rossella Tomaiuolo
- KronosDNA srl, Spinoff of Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
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Bergougnoux A, Taulan-Cadars M, Claustres M, Raynal C. Current and future molecular approaches in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Expert Rev Respir Med 2018; 12:415-426. [PMID: 29580110 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2018.1457438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cystic Fibrosis is among the first diseases to have general population genetic screening tests and one of the most common indications of prenatal and preimplantation genetic diagnosis for single gene disorders. During the past twenty years, thanks to the evolution of diagnostic techniques, our knowledge of CFTR genetics and pathophysiological mechanisms involved in cystic fibrosis has significantly improved. Areas covered: Sanger sequencing and quantitative methods greatly contributed to the identification of more than 2,000 sequence variations reported worldwide in the CFTR gene. We are now entering a new technological age with the generalization of high throughput approaches such as Next Generation Sequencing and Droplet Digital PCR technologies in diagnostics laboratories. These powerful technologies open up new perspectives for scanning the entire CFTR locus, exploring modifier factors that possibly influence the clinical evolution of patients, and for preimplantation and prenatal diagnosis. Expert commentary: Such breakthroughs would, however, require powerful bioinformatics tools and relevant functional tests of variants for analysis and interpretation of the resulting data. Ultimately, an optimal use of all those resources may improve patient care and therapeutic decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bergougnoux
- a Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier , Montpellier , France.,b EA 7402 , Université de Montpellier , Montpellier , France
| | | | | | - Caroline Raynal
- a Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier , Montpellier , France
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