Folliculogenesis-specific basic helix-loop-helix, also known asfactor in the germline alpha (FIGalpha) ortranscription factor FIGa, is aprotein that in humans is encoded by theFIGLAgene.[5][6] The FIGLA gene is a germ cell-specific transcription factor preferentially expressed in oocytes that can be found on human chromosome 2p13.3.
This gene encodes a protein that functions in postnataloocyte-specific gene expression. The protein is abasic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that regulates multipleoocyte-specific genes, including genes involved infolliculogenesis, oocyte differentiation, and those that encode thezona pellucida.[5] FIGLA is related to the zona pellucida genes ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3.
Mutation in the FIGLA gene are associated withpremature ovarian failure.[7] Premature ovarian failure is a genetic disorder that leads to hypergonadotropic ovarian failure and infertility. It is believed that premature ovarian failure in humans is caused by FIGLA haploninsuffciency, which disrupts the formation of the primordial follicles.[7][8] This was observed in FIGLA mice knockouts which had diminished follicular endowment and accelerated oocyte loss throughout their reproductive life span.[7][8] Women with mutations in their FIGLA were shown to have a form of premature ovarian failure.[7][8] As well as the failure to form primordial follicles, knockout mice also lacked zona pellucida genes Zp1, Zp2, and ZP3 expression.[8]
Suzumori N, Pangas SA, Rajkovic A (2007). "Candidate genes for premature ovarian failure".Current Medicinal Chemistry.14 (3):353–7.doi:10.2174/092986707779941087.PMID17305537.
van Dooren MF, Bertoli-Avellab AM, Oldenburg RA (August 2009). "Premature ovarian failure and gene polymorphisms".Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology.21 (4):313–7.doi:10.1097/gco.0b013e32832e0813.PMID19610175.S2CID35641655.
