[HTML][HTML] Ovarian gene expression in the absence of FIGLA, an oocyte-specific transcription factor
S Joshi, H Davies, LP Sims, SE Levy… - BMC Developmental …, 2007 - Springer
S Joshi, H Davies, LP Sims, SE Levy, J Dean
BMC Developmental Biology, 2007•SpringerBackground Ovarian folliculogenesis in mammals is a complex process involving
interactions between germ and somatic cells. Carefully orchestrated expression of
transcription factors, cell adhesion molecules and growth factors are required for success.
We have identified a germ-cell specific, basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, FIGLA (F
actor I n the G erm L ine, A lpha) and demonstrated its involvement in two independent
developmental processes: formation of the primordial follicle and coordinate expression of …
interactions between germ and somatic cells. Carefully orchestrated expression of
transcription factors, cell adhesion molecules and growth factors are required for success.
We have identified a germ-cell specific, basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, FIGLA (F
actor I n the G erm L ine, A lpha) and demonstrated its involvement in two independent
developmental processes: formation of the primordial follicle and coordinate expression of …
Background
Ovarian folliculogenesis in mammals is a complex process involving interactions between germ and somatic cells. Carefully orchestrated expression of transcription factors, cell adhesion molecules and growth factors are required for success. We have identified a germ-cell specific, basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, FIGLA (Factor In the GermLine, Alpha) and demonstrated its involvement in two independent developmental processes: formation of the primordial follicle and coordinate expression of zona pellucida genes.
Results
Taking advantage of Figla null mouse lines, we have used a combined approach of microarray and Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) to identify potential downstream target genes. Using high stringent cutoffs, we find that FIGLA functions as a key regulatory molecule in coordinating expression of the NALP family of genes, genes of known oocyte-specific expression and a set of functionally un-annotated genes. FIGLA also inhibits expression of male germ cell specific genes that might otherwise disrupt normal oogenesis.
Conclusion
These data implicate FIGLA as a central regulator of oocyte-specific genes that play roles in folliculogenesis, fertilization and early development.
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