From bench to bedside: Mouse models in translating infertility research to clinical applications in assisted reproduction

The use of animal models, principally mice, has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of reproductive biology. Mice serve as a powerful tool due to their genetic and physiological similarities to humans, short reproductive cycles, and ease of genetic manipulation. This review highlights the pivotal role of mouse models in reproductive research, emphasizing the genetic approaches used to elucidate gene functions. Reverse genetics, involving gene expression modifications followed by phenotypic analysis, and forward genetics, which starts with phenotypic observations to identify genetic causes, are key methodologies discussed. Mouse models have provided significant insights into various aspects of reproduction, including spermatogenesis, oogenesis, hormonal regulation, and the impact of specific genes on fertility. Notable examples include the use of knockout and transgenic mice to study gene functions related to fertility and the development of models for studying human reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis. Additionally, the review addresses the importance of mouse models in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), exploring their contributions to understanding ART-induced epigenetic changes and long-term outcomes. This comprehensive examination underscores the indispensable role of mice in reproductive biology research, paving the way for translating these findings into clinical applications for human infertility.