Genetics of Preterm Birth

摘要: The control of normal birth timing in mammals and the fundamental signals that initiate preterm humans are critical areas scientific investigation. Preterm is leading cause infant mortality throughout world, single greatest challenge women's children's health today. Despite recognised importance this area investigation, relatively limited advances have been made. In part, success revealing mechanisms results from divergence endocrine physiology pregnancy between species. To an effect on these biological medical gaps knowledge, new genetic studies comparative genomic investigations across species undertaken. article, authors summarise current status approaches to elucidate timing. Key Concepts: Genetic factors, primarily maternal genome, contribute risk. The human differs other except for higher primates. Humans unique constraints related foetal size and/or metabolism. Candidate gene association not generally informative. New data emerging non-biased genome-wide suggested pathways risk. Keywords: pregnancy; genomics; evolution; comparative biology; progesterone