ABSTRACT
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a disorder characterized by lack of ovulation and
elevated levels of serum gonadotropins before the age of 40. The etiology of POF is
not known but different environmental and genetic factors are involved, suggesting
high heterogeneity of the disorder. The involvement of X-linked genes in the etiology
of POF was hypothesized on the basis of its frequent association with chromosomal
rearrangements and monosomies. In recent years a number of genes were described. Two
genes, FRAXA and POF1B, have been formally demonstrated to be responsible for POF. Other genes have been
proposed as candidates, but their role remains to be demonstrated.
KEYWORD
ovarian failure -
POF1
-
FRAXA