Autism Gene Linked to Infertility.
A study by the University of California, Riverside, has identified that mutations of the FMR1 gene, which causes Fragile X Syndrome, contribute to premature ovarian failure (POF) due to changes in neurons that regulate reproduction in the brain and ovaries. POF affects about 10% of women and is characterized by an early depletion of ovarian follicles and early menopause. The mutation has been associated with early infertility, due to a 25-fold increased risk of POF, but the reasons were unclear. The researchers found that the mutation alters neurons that regulate reproduction in the brain and ovaries.