Abstract
Reproduction is essential for the survival of the species and is influenced by external
factors such as smoking and exposure to chemotherapy as well as chronic disorders
such as obesity and autoimmunity. Reproductive senescence, such as menopause, is also
dependent on multiple intrinsic genetic factors. Reproductive aging is not isolated
from an overall aging process, and several studies strongly support the link between
the early age of menopause and mortality. The extreme form of reproductive aging is
primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) with prevalence ranging from 1 to 5% of the female
population. POI has been shown to have long-term consequences on overall health. POI
and age of menopause have a significant hereditary component. The population-based
genome-wide association studies have identified 44 genomic loci to associate with
age of menopause, and 29 of 44 loci harbor DNA damage response genes. Recent application
of whole exome sequencing on carefully selected families with POI has also revealed
a significant contribution of DNA damage response genes. The inability to repair the
DNA damage in both somatic and germ cells might be a predisposing factor for the link
between reproductive and overall aging in a subset of individuals with POI. The aim
of this review is to characterize recent advances in the genetics of POI and its link
with overall health.
Keywords
ovarian reserve - menopause - primary ovarian insufficiency - DNA damage response
genes