Oogenesis requires germ cell-specific transcriptional regulators Sohlh1 and Lhx8.
Mammalian oogenesis requires oocyte-specific transcriptional regulators. The full complement of oocyte-specific transcription factors is unknown. Here, we describe the finding that Sohlh1, a spermatogenesis and oogenesis basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor in females, is preferentially expressed in oocytes and required for oogenesis. Sohlh1 disruption perturbs follicular formation in part by causing down-regulation of two genes that are known to disrupt folliculogenesis: newborn ovary homeobox gene (Nobox) and factor in the germ-line alpha (Figla). In addition, we show that Lhx8 is downstream of Sohlh1 and critical in fertility. Thus, Sohlh1 and Lhx8 are two germ cell-specific, critical regulators of oogenesis.
Pangas
Stephanie A
SA
Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Choi
Youngsok
Y
Ballow
Daniel J
DJ
Zhao
Yangu
Y
Westphal
Heiner
H
Matzuk
Martin M
MM
Rajkovic
Aleksandar
A
D000818:Animals; D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins; D015536:Down-Regulation; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D006579:Heterozygote; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D060850:LIM-Homeodomain Proteins; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D008954:Models, Biological; D009865:Oocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D009866:Oogenesis; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*
D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D060850:LIM-Homeodomain Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; C112960:LIM homeobox protein 8; C511466:Sohlh1 protein, mouse