NOBOX
Encyclopedia
Homeobox protein NOBOX, also known as newborn ovary homeobox protein, is a protein
that in humans is encoded by the NOBOX gene
.
gene that is preferentially expressed in oocyte
s. In mice, it is essential for folliculogenesis
and regulation of oocyte-specific genes.
.
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
that in humans is encoded by the NOBOX gene
Gene
A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
.
Function
NOBOX is a homeoboxHomeobox
A homeobox is a DNA sequence found within genes that are involved in the regulation of patterns of anatomical development in animals, fungi and plants.- Discovery :...
gene that is preferentially expressed in oocyte
Oocyte
An oocyte, ovocyte, or rarely ocyte, is a female gametocyte or germ cell involved in reproduction. In other words, it is an immature ovum, or egg cell. An oocyte is produced in the ovary during female gametogenesis. The female germ cells produce a primordial germ cell which undergoes a mitotic...
s. In mice, it is essential for folliculogenesis
Folliculogenesis
In biology, folliculogenesis is the maturation of the ovarian follicle, a densely-packed shell of somatic cells that contains an immature oocyte...
and regulation of oocyte-specific genes.
Clinical significance
A mutation in the NOBOX gene is associated with premature ovarian failurePremature ovarian failure
Premature Ovarian Failure , also known as premature ovarian insufficiency, primary ovarian insufficiency , premature menopause, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, is the loss of function of the ovaries before age 40...
.