Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Dissection and Staining of Drosophila Larval Ovaries
Published on: May 13, 2011
Oogenesis requires germ cell-specific transcriptional regulators Sohlh1 and Lhx8
Stephanie A Pangas1, Youngsok Choi, Daniel J Ballow
1Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Abstract:
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.
Related Concept Videos
Oogenesis
Combinatorial Gene Control
The expression of more than 30,000 genes is controlled by approximately 2000-3000 transcription factors. This is possible because a single transcription factor can recognize more than one regulatory sequence. The specificity in gene...
Master Transcription Regulators
Somatic to iPS Cell Reprogramming
Oogenesis
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...
Folliculogenesis

