STRA8

This gene encodes a retinoic acid-responsive protein. A homologous protein in mouse has been shown to be involved in the regulation of meiotic initiation in both spermatogenesis and oogenesis, though feature differences between the mouse and human proteins suggest that these homologs are not entirely functionally equivalent. It is thought that this gene may play a role in spermatogenesis in humans.

Full Name

Stimulated By Retinoic Acid 8

Function

Meiosis-inducer required for the transition into meiosis for both female and male germ cells. In female germ cells, acts downstream of ZGLP1 as a key effector of the meiotic program: 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. In complex with MEIOSIN, directly activates the transcription of a subset of critical meiotic genes playing a central role in cell-cycle switching from mitosis to meiosis.

Biological Process

Biological Process activation of meiosisISS:UniProtKB
Biological Process cellular response to retinoic acidISS:UniProtKB
Biological Process DNA replicationIEA:UniProtKB-KW
Biological Process meiotic cell cycleISS:UniProtKB
Biological Process oogenesisISS:UniProtKB
Biological Process regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase IIISS:UniProtKB
Biological Process spermatogenesisISS:UniProtKB

Cellular Location

Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm. Nuclear export is XPO1-dependent.

PTM

Phosphorylated.