BRCA1, BRCA2 and primary ovarian insufficiency

• Main Author: Zhang Yinuo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: EDP Sciences 2020-01-01
• Series: E3S Web of Conferences
• Online Access: https://www.e3s-conferences.org/articles/e3sconf/pdf/2020/25/e3sconf_caes2020_05009.pdf

BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes belong to the family of ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM)-mediated DNA DSB repair genes that play a critical role in the DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. Mutations in BRCA genes significantly increase the lifetime risk of breast, ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers. In addition to the increased risk for multiple malignancies, recent literature suggest that mutations in BRCA genes could lead to decreased ovarian reserve and subsequent ovarian aging. In this review, we will focus on role of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in ovarian function, particularly ovarian aging and primary ovarian insufficiency. Serum AMH values are generally lower in BRCA1 mutation carriers but not in BRCA2 mutation carriers. BRCA2 carriers were more likely to have chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea DNA not stable, linking with ovarian aging. The mechanism by which BRCAs mutation in the pathogenesis of POI is the inpaired function of repairing DNA breaks. Future studies investigating the knockout models to elucidate the role of the BRCAs genes in ovarian development and oocyte maturation will be interesting.