L'ovocyte réparateur de l'ADN du spermatozoïde

Germ cells perform a unique and critical biological function: they propagate the DNA that will be used to direct development of the next generation. Genetic integrity of germ cell DNA is essential for producing healthy and reproductively fit offspring. There is accumulating evidence that genetic damage, in the form of unrepaired DNA lesions or de novo mutations, may be transmitted via sperm to offspring. Such genetic damage may arise from environmental exposure or via endogenously formed reactive species, in stem cells or during spermatogenesis. Based on results from our own and other laboratories, we discuss the current knowledge of different pathways of DNA repair, especially in human oocyte.