UNIPROT #

O55208

PROTEIN NAME

Figla

SYNONYMS

bHLHc8 antibody; Class C basic helix-loop-helix protein 8 antibody; Factor in the germline alpha antibody; FIGalpha antibody; FIGLA antibody; FIGLA_HUMAN antibody; Folliculogenesis specific basic helix loop helix antibody; Folliculogenesis-specific basic helix-loop-helix protein antibody; POF6 antibody; Transcription factor FIGa antibody

TISSUE SPECIFICITY

Expressed only in the oocytes within the ovary and at lower level in the testis. Found in the resting oocytes of the primordial follicle cells, at the periphery of the ovary and in the hilar region. Also detected in growing oocytes, but at lower levels.

DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE

Detected as early as embryonic day 13, shortly after the onset of sexual dimorphism of the gonads. Dramatically increases at the end of the embryonic development and peaks at 2 dpp, a time in ovarian development at which oocytes have become enclosed in primordial follicles. Decreases markedly by 7 and 14 days after birth. Persists, but at low level, in adult females. Not detected in male embryos, but detected in adult testes.

SUBCELLULAR LOCATION

Cytoplasm

FUNCTION

Ovarian folliculogenesis is an intricate process involving interactions between germ and somatic cells in mammalians. FIGLA (folliculogenesis specific basic helix-loop-helix), also known as POF6, BHLHC8 or FIGALPHA, is a 219 amino acid nuclear protein expressed in fetal ovary and germ cells. FIGLA contains one basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) domain and heterodimerizes with E12, a transcription factor that influences gene expression during B cell maturation. Acting as a germline specific transcription factor and a key player of ovarian folliculogenesis, FIGLA regulates the expression of multiple oocyte-specific genes that are required for fertilization and early embryonic survival. Mutations in the gene encoding FIGLA may be the cause of Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), a genetically heterogenous disorder that leads to hypergonadotropic ovarian failure and infertility. POF is characterized by amenorrhea, hypoestrogenism and elevated serum gonadotropin concentrations. FIGLA inhibits the expression of male germ cell specific genes during oogenesis.