Biography
Biography: M. Misrahi
Abstract
Premature ovarian failure (POF) affects ~1% of women under 40 years of age. Two major mechanisms are involved: alteration in the establishment of the follicular pool during fetal life and follicle dysfunction after puberty. Genetic causes of non-syndromic POI account for 10-15% of patients. The last decade has seen the identification of several causes of POF, but they still correspond to rare causes. Candidate gene studies based on animal models, or full genome studies on familial forms are the favored ways to progress in our understanding of this syndrome. Understanding the genetic causes of POI is an excellent way to improve our knowledge of human ovarian physiology. It will lead to appropriate genetic counseling of patients which in some cases may also lead to novel treatments of patients' infertility. The most recent results on human genetics of POF will be discussed.