X-linked premature ovarian failure: a complex disease

Curr Opin Genet Dev. 2006 Jun;16(3):293-300. doi: 10.1016/j.gde.2006.04.005. Epub 2006 May 2.

Abstract

Involvement of the X chromosome in premature ovarian failure was demonstrated by the relatively frequent chromosomal rearrangements in patients, but the requirement of two X chromosomes for ovarian function was quite unexplained until recently. Review of the data on chromosomal rearrangements suggests that several genes along the X chromosomes contribute to ovarian function. In most instances, no single X chromosome gene has a causative role in premature ovarian failure, and the phenotype is likely to derive from the additive effect of X-linked and non-X-linked factors. Recent data on a small group of balanced X-autosome translocations showed that X-linked premature ovarian failure might also be caused by a different mechanism, namely position effect of the X chromosome on non-X-linked genes, and suggest a peculiar organization of the X chromosome during oogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Genes, X-Linked / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Monosomy / genetics
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / genetics*
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / pathology
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / physiopathology
  • Turner Syndrome / genetics
  • Turner Syndrome / pathology
  • X Chromosome / genetics

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