The mouse basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Figla is required for normal folliculogenesis.
The predicted FIGLA protein contains 186 amino acids and shares 68% identity with mouse Figla and 25% identity with a putative medaka homolog. The basic helix-loop-helix region of FIGLA shares 96% and 57% identity with those of mouse and medaka Figla, respectively.
RT-PCR showed expression of FIGLA in all ovarian follicular stages and in mature oocytes, with less frequent expression in preimplantation embryos. RT-PCR of multiple tissue samples detected FIGLA expression only in primordial follicles.
Pathology
Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) is a genetically heterogenous disorder that leads to hypergonadotropic ovarian failure and infertility. (18499083)
References
Zhao H, Chen ZJ, Qin Y, Shi Y, Wang S, Choi Y, Simpson JL, Rajkovic A. Transcription Factor FIGLA is Mutated in Patients with Premature Ovarian Failure. Am J Hum Genet. 2008 May 20. PMID: 18499083