The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) has launched the Female Reproductive Genetics Initiative (FeRGI), a project aimed at translating genetic research in infertility into clinical practice. Developed within the Special Interest Group (SIG) Reproductive Genetics, FeRGI focuses on providing resources and training to clinicians and biologists to improve the diagnosis and treatment of female infertility.
Recent advancements over the past 15 years have identified non-syndromic infertility genes for both men and women. FeRGI seeks to utilize this foundational research to develop clinical applications, particularly in diagnosis. The initiative’s mission is to equip reproductive medicine practitioners with the necessary tools and expertise to incorporate genetic insights into their practice.
The FeRGI team includes professionals in medically assisted reproduction (MAR), comprising both basic and clinical scientists. The initiative follows a systematic review and evidence assessment of single-gene Gene-Disease relationships (GDRs) in human female infertility, published by Van Der Kelen et al. in Human Reproduction Update in 2023. The FeRGI steering committee includes members from the Reproductive Genetics SIG, ensuring comprehensive expertise.
FeRGI will provide an interactive website offering access to information on all genes associated with female infertility and their related phenotypes. The database will also feature an online form for researchers to submit newly identified gene variants, facilitating ongoing updates and knowledge sharing.
In addition to data compilation, FeRGI will serve as a center for global collaboration and knowledge exchange. ESHRE and the Reproductive Genetics SIG will host FeRGI, which will organize educational activities such as scientific meetings, webinars, ESHRE campus workshops, and interactive internet programs. These events aim to foster collaboration among experts, young specialists, scientists, PhD students, and post-docs from around the world, promoting research in female infertility genetics and encouraging its clinical application.
FeRGI is also responsible for developing a best-practice guide and recommendation document, ensuring that technological advancements are implemented with ethical considerations. By providing insights into the genetic aspects of female infertility, FeRGI aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and fertility preservation for patients and their families.
“FeRGI’s primary mission is to empower reproductive medicine practitioners in female infertility genetics by providing the resources and expertise they need to support better diagnoses and to enhance their professional capabilities in this new domain,” says Stéphane Viville, who will contribute to the initiative.
