FIGLA
Description
The FIGLA (folliculogenesis specific bHLH transcription factor) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 2.
FIGLA (Folliculogenesis-specific basic helix-loop-helix) is a human gene located on chromosome 2p13.3 that encodes a protein crucial for oocyte-specific gene expression. This protein, also known as Factor in the germline alpha (FIGalpha) or Transcription factor FIGa, acts as a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, regulating multiple oocyte-specific genes involved in folliculogenesis, oocyte differentiation, and zona pellucida encoding. FIGLA is closely related to the zona pellucida genes ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3. Mutations in the FIGLA gene are linked to premature ovarian failure, a genetic disorder leading to hypergonadotropic ovarian failure and infertility. This disorder is thought to arise from FIGLA haploinsufficiency, disrupting primordial follicle formation. Observations in FIGLA knockout mice revealed a diminished follicular endowment and accelerated oocyte loss throughout their reproductive lifespan. Women with FIGLA mutations exhibit a form of premature ovarian failure.
FIGLA is also known as BHLHC8, FIGALPHA, POF6.
