The genetics of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder. There is evidence for a genetic component in PCOS based on familial clustering of cases. The majority of the evidence supports an autosomal dominant form of inheritance. Steroidogenesis has been shown to be upregulated in PCOS theca cells, suggesting that the genetic abnormality in PCOS affects signal transduction pathways controlling the expression of a family of genes. Although a number of candidate genes have been proposed, the putative PCOS gene(s) has yet to be identified. Linkage and association studies implicate a region near the insulin receptor gene at chr 19p13.3. New genetic approaches, such as microarray technology, hold promise for elucidation of the pathophysiology underlying PCOS.
Amato
Paula
P
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, 6550 Fannin, Suite 901A, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Simpson
Joe Leigh
JL
D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000235:genetics*; D011972:Receptor, Insulin / Q000235:genetics
D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; D011972:Receptor, Insulin