[Genetics of multiple endocrine neoplasies: clinical implications]

The multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes are hereditary monogenic diseases that are transmitted as autosomal dominant traits, and are characterized by the development of tumors and hyperplasias in several endocrine organs. The causative genes of the 2 principal forms of MEN have been recently identified; a protooncogene for MEN2 (the RET gene) and a tumor suppressor gene for MEN1 (the MEN1 gene). Correlations between phenotype and genotype were described in the case of RET mutations that could help in defining the screening methods and the preferable age of prophylactic thyroidectomy. No correlations were established between the mutations of the MEN1 gene and the phenotype of patients suffering from MEN1. We present here a synopsis of the recent results of the genetics of MEN syndromes underlining their clinical implications.