Deleted in azoospermia-like; RNA-binding protein, which is essential for gametogenesis in both males and females. Plays a central role during spermatogenesis. Acts by binding to the 3'-UTR of mRNA, specifically recognizing GUU triplets, and thereby regulating the translation of key transcripts.

Homeobox protein NOBOX; Transcription factor which plays an essential role in postnatal follicle development. Binds preferentially to the DNA sequences 5'-TAATTG-3', 5'-TAGTTG-3' and 5'-TAATTA-3'. Directly regulates the transcription of POU5F1 and GDF9 during early folliculogenesis.

Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 protein; Meiosis-inducer required for the transition into meiosis for both female and male germ cells. In female germ cells, required for premeiotic DNA replication and subsequent events in meiotic prophase. During spermatogenesis, next to its role in meiotic initiation, promotes (but is not required for) spermatogonial differentiation. Can associate with DNA (possibly in an indirect manner), and in vitro can activate DNA transcription.

Factor in the germline alpha; Germ-line specific transcription factor implicated in postnatal oocyte-specific gene expression. Plays a key regulatory role in the expression of multiple oocyte-specific genes, including those that initiate folliculogenesis and those that encode the zona pellucida (ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3) required for fertilization and early embryonic survival. Essential for oocytes to survive and form primordial follicles. The persistence of FIGLA in adult females suggests that it may regulate additional pathways that are essential for normal ovarian development. Binds to the [...]

Nanos homolog 2; Plays a key role in the sexual differentiation of germ cells by promoting the male fate but suppressing the female fate. Represses the female fate pathways by suppressing meiosis, which in turn results in the promotion of the male fate. Maintains the suppression of meiosis by preventing STRA8 expression, which is required for premeiotic DNA replication, after CYP26B1 is decreased. Regulates the localization of the CCR4-NOT deadenylation complex to P-bodies and plays a role in recruiting the complex to trigger the degradation of mRNAs involved in meiosis. Required for t [...]

LIM/homeobox protein Lhx8; Transcription factor involved in differentiation of certain neurons and mesenchymal cells.

Doublesex- and mab-3-related transcription factor 1; Transcription factor that plays a key role in male sex determination and differentiation by controlling testis development and male germ cell proliferation. Plays a central role in spermatogonia by inhibiting meiosis in undifferentiated spermatogonia and promoting mitosis, leading to spermatogonial development and allowing abundant and continuous production of sperm. Acts both as a transcription repressor and activator: prevents meiosis by restricting retinoic acid (RA)-dependent transcription and repressing STRA8 expression and prom [...]

GDNF family receptor alpha-1; Receptor for GDNF. Mediates the GDNF-induced autophosphorylation and activation of the RET receptor (By similarity).

Nanos homolog 3; Plays a role in the maintenance of the undifferentiated state of germ cells regulating the spermatogonia cell cycle and inducing a prolonged transit in G1 phase. Affects cell proliferation probably by repressing translation of specific mRNAs. Maintains the germ cell lineage by suppressing both Bax-dependent and -independent apoptotic pathways. Essential in the early stage embryo to protect the migrating primordial germ cells (PGCs) from apoptosis. Belongs to the nanos family.