Ovarian gene expression in the absence of FIGLA, an oocyte-specific transcription factor.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
These data implicate FIGLA as a central regulator of oocyte-specific genes that play roles in folliculogenesis, fertilization and early development.
Joshi
Saurabh
S
Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. saurabhj@mail.nih.gov
Davies
Holly
H
Sims
Lauren Porter
LP
Levy
Shawn E
SE
Dean
Jurrien
J
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D051379:Mice; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000502:physiology; D010053:Ovary / Q000502:physiology*; D012313:RNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics*
D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins; D012313:RNA; D014157:Transcription Factors; C109920:Figla protein, mouse