Semin Reprod Med 2013; 31(06): 399-415
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1356476
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Genomic Markers of Ovarian Reserve

Michelle A. Wood
1   Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences
,
Aleksandar Rajkovic
1   Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences
2   Department of Pathology
3   Department of Human Genetics, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
07 October 2013 (online)

Preview

Abstract

Ovarian reserve and its utilization, over a reproductive life span, are determined by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. The establishment of the primordial follicle pool and the rate of primordial follicle activation have been under intense study to determine genetic factors that affect reproductive lifespan. Much has been learned from transgenic animal models about the developmental origins of the primordial follicle pool and mechanisms that lead to primordial follicle activation, folliculogenesis, and the maturation of a single oocyte with each menstrual cycle. Recent genome-wide association studies on the age of human menopause have identified approximately 20 loci, and shown the importance of factors involved in double-strand break repair and immunology. Studies to date from animal models and humans show that many genes determine ovarian aging, and that there is no single dominant allele yet responsible for depletion of the ovarian reserve. Personalized genomic approaches will need to take into account the high degree of genetic heterogeneity, family pedigree, and functional data of the genes critical at various stages of ovarian development to predict women's reproductive life span.