Cytogenetic & Molecular analysis in Premature Ovarian Failure

IntroductionPremature Ovarian Failure (POF) being a heterogeneous genetic disease involves the interaction of multiple genetic defects and environmental factors and has been associated with several chromosomal abnormalities, single gene mutations, and genetic polymorphisms. BMP15 is a member of the transforming growth factor {beta} (TGF-{beta}) family. BMP15 gene product (protein) have 3 domians, mature domain (c-terminal region) of BMP15 binds to receptors located on granulosa cell surface to participate in key steps regarding ovarian function, such as granulosa cell proliferation and follicle maturation, ovulation rate modulation, oocyte competence determination and regulating granulosa cell sensitivity to FSH. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the BMP-15 gene are associated with POF. Materials & Methods30 POF patients and 30 healthy age matched controls were recruited for cytogenetic and molecular analysis. 10 ml whole blood was collected for karyotyping and PCR and PCR was performed for known SNPs of BMP-15 gene (-9C>G, 538G>A, 788insTCT and 852C>T) respectively. Amplified PCR products were sequenced commercially. Observation/ResultThirty cases (mean age 30 years) and thirty healthy controls (mean age 23 years) were recruited for the study. On cytogenetic analysis 2 cases had a 45, XO chromosomal complement. One case was heterozygous for the SNP (-9C>G) and one control was homozygous for the same SNP. DiscussionThe prevalence of this SNP was about 10.7% in cases & 3.3% in healthy controls. This polymorphism in promoter region may cause altered expression of the gene and results in POF.