Gènes de l’ovaire

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.