Table II.

Potential clinical relevance of investigating genetic incompatibility of the reproductive partners and key challenges for future researchers and clinicians working in the fields of human reproduction and ARTs.

Clinical relevance:
Improved accuracy of infertility diagnostics
Improved predictive value of the semen analyses
More personalised infertility treatments, tailored to each individual couple
Reduced overall costs of ART procedures
Future research challenges:
Identify functionally important male and female genes responsible for gamete-level incompatibility
Understand detailed mechanisms of sperm selection in the female reproductive tract
Clarify how the female reproductive tract and oocytes ‘identify’ compatible sperm genotypes
Develop analytical methods for genome-wide characterisation of genetic interactions and genetic interaction networks responsible for gamete-level incompatibility
Investigate the effect of genetic interactions and genetic incompatibility on the health of the offspring
Future clinical challenges:
Develop clinical tests for parental genetic compatibility
Develop more realistic functional tests for sperm fertilisation capability and male fertility
Clarify how to prevent the negative impact of genetic incompatibility on reproductive success and offspring health