The human gynome.

Abstract

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the identification of the 3-dimensional structure of the DNA double helix and the completion of the US Human Genome Project. Now that we have completed the human genome sequence, what have we learned? How will this information benefit humankind? And, what are the implications for our patients in obstetrics and gynecology? Perhaps the biggest surprise is that there are only approximately 30,000 human genes, far fewer than earlier estimated. I propose the term "gynome" to describe that part of the human genome that is unique to women. We have learned that manifestations of diseases and therapeutic response can be gender specific. A major challenge is to define the interplay of the genetic variations of women with variations in their environment and lifestyle. Ultimately, this should lead to improved diagnosis of disease, earlier detection of genetic predispositions to disease, the design of more effective drugs, and gene therapy.