The role of genes in the development of Mullerian anomalies: where are we today?
Recent studies claim that researchers are challenged to find out the pathogenesis of the congenital anomalies of the female reproductive tract. Their frequency is estimated to be between 0.1% and 3% of live births in humans. During the experiments a number of genes were detected to contribute to the formation and development of the female reproductive tract. This review article aims to report these genes, as they probably play a significant role in the pathology of the reproductive tract in females.


BACKGROUND
Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians.


OBJECTIVE
After completion of this educational activity, the participant should be better able to explain the genetic basis of Mullerian abnormalities, give examples of the complexity of the genetic basis behind a variety of mechanisms of disease, and recall the embryology of the female reproductive tract.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens, Greece. dr_christopoulos@yahoo.gr
Panagiotis
P
Christopoulos
Maria
M
Gazouli
Georgia
G
Fotopoulou
George
G
Creatsas
D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D054304:Anti-Mullerian Hormone / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000196:embryology*; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009095:Mullerian Ducts / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000196:embryology; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D051762:PAX2 Transcription Factor / Q000235:genetics; D010641:Phenotype; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000235:genetics
D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D051762:PAX2 Transcription Factor; C497318:PAX2 protein, human; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D051153:Wnt Proteins; C071250:TLX1 protein, human; D054304:Anti-Mullerian Hormone