[Ovarian genes].

Abstract

The number of ovarian follicles decreases during genital life by apoptosis, which accelerates from 40 until the menopause. Several findings plead in favour of a genetic control of these events. Ovarian insufficiency can occur by three mechanisms: reduction in the primary follicles reserve (ataxia-telangiectasy), follicular maturation blocking (modification of the genes GDF-9 and GDF-9B, null mutation of FSH receptor gene, auto-immune polyglandular disease, PBE syndrome), or apoptosis acceleration (chemotherapy, smoking, galactosemia, Turner's syndrome). However, the aetiology of premature ovarian insufficiencies in woman remains unknown in more than 90% of the cases. Genetic studies on the family cases should make it possible to identify new genes involved in ovarian control.

• Authors: S Christin-Maître
• Journal: Gynecologie, obstetrique & fertilite (Gynecol Obstet Fertil) Vol. 30 Issue 10 Pg. 827-30 (Oct 2002) ISSN: 1297-9589 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Gènes de l'ovaire.
• PMID: 12478993 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Animals
• Apoptosis (genetics)
• Female
• Humans
• Menopause (genetics)
• Ovarian Follicle
• Ovary
• Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (genetics)