[Ovarian genes].
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.
Christin-Maître
S
S
Service d'endocrinologie, unité EA1 533 Génétique de la reproduction humaine, hôpital Saint-Antoine, 184, rue du faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75012 Paris, France. sophie.christin-maitre@sat.ap-hop-paris.fr
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000235:genetics*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle; D010053:Ovary; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000235:genetics*