Ovarian-specific expression of a new gene regulated by the goat PIS region and transcribed by a FOXL2 bidirectional promoter

Genomics. 2005 Jun;85(6):715-26. doi: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2005.02.011.

Abstract

Studies on XX sex reversal in polled goats (PIS mutation: polled intersex syndrome) have led to the discovery of a female-specific locus crucial for ovarian differentiation. This genomic region is composed of at least two genes, FOXL2 and PISRT1, sharing a common transcriptional regulatory region, PIS. In this paper, we describe a third gene, PFOXic (promoter FOXL2 inverse complementary), located near FOXL2 in the opposite orientation. This gene composed of five exons encodes a 1723-bp cDNA, enclosing two repetitive elements in its 3' end. PFOXic mRNA encodes a putative protein of 163 amino acids with no homologies in any of the databases tested. The transcriptional expression of PFOXic is driven by a bidirectional promoter also enhancing FOXL2 transcription. In goats, PFOXic is expressed in developing ovaries, from 36 days postcoitum until adulthood. Ovarian-specific expression of PFOXic is regulated by the PIS region. PFOXic is found conserved only in Bovidae. But, a human gene located in the opposite orientation relative to FOXL2 can be considered a human PFOXic. Finally, we discuss evidence arguing for regulation of the level of FOXL2 transcription via the bidirectional promoter and the level of transcription of PFOXic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Disorders of Sex Development
  • Female
  • Forkhead Box Protein L2
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology*
  • Goats / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation
  • Organ Specificity / genetics
  • Ovary / cytology
  • Ovary / physiology*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic*
  • Sex Determination Processes
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • FOXL2 protein, human
  • Forkhead Box Protein L2
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Transcription Factors

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AY112725
  • GENBANK/AY648047
  • GENBANK/AY648048
  • GENBANK/AY648049