Transmission of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome via Epigenetic Inheritance

Trends Mol Med. 2021 Aug;27(8):723-724. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.05.005. Epub 2021 Jun 11.

Abstract

A recent study by Mimouni et al. shows that late gestation exposure to anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) results in transgenerational transmission of a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-like phenotype in mice. Altered DNA methylation underlies transmission and was also observed in women with PCOS. Epigenetics-based therapy reversed some PCOS-like phenotypic traits when applied to F3 female mice.

Keywords: anti-Müllerian hormone; epigenetics; germ cells; in utero environment; maternal androgen excess; transgenerational transmission.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / adverse effects
  • Androgens / metabolism
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone / genetics
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone / metabolism
  • Biomarkers
  • Disease Management
  • Embryonic Development
  • Epigenesis, Genetic* / drug effects
  • Female
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Humans
  • Maternal Exposure
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / etiology*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / therapy

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Biomarkers
  • Anti-Mullerian Hormone