Genetic analysis of candidate genes for the polycystic ovary syndrome

The genetic analysis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) presents the typical problems associated with the inheritance of a common, complex disorder. Despite evidence for substantial familial aggregation of PCOS the mode of inheritance is uncertain, and no specific contributing genes have been confidently identified. However, materials and methods for testing candidate genes have recently been greatly enhanced by progress in the Human Genome Project. As a result, several genes and chromosomal regions that hold promise have emerged in recent studies of the genetics of PCOS. The authors review results for several candidate genes in detail and provide a catalogue of references and results for many other candidate genes and regions.