Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 protein (STRA8)

Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8) is a vertebrate-specific protein that serves as the essential gatekeeper for the transition from mitosis to meiosis in germ cells. It is specifically induced by retinoic acid (RA) and is required for both spermatogenesis in males and oogenesis in females; its deficiency leads to meiotic arrest and infertility. Functionally, STRA8 acts as a transcriptional regulator, forming a complex with MEIOSIN to activate a broad program of meiotic genes necessary for chromosomal synapsis and recombination. Beyond its primary role in the gonads, recent research has identified STRA8 expression in the adult brain, where it may protect inhibitory neurons from neurodegeneration, and in various cancers such as squamous cell carcinomas where it promotes genomic instability. Although no direct small-molecule inhibitors of the STRA8 protein are currently approved, it is a high-priority target for the development of non-hormonal male contraceptives and a potential therapeutic target in oncology. Experimental modulation of STRA8 is currently achieved through inhibitors of retinoic acid biosynthesis, such as WIN 18,446, which effectively suppress its expression and arrest germ cell development.

Other names

Stimulated by retinoic acid 8Meiosis-inducer required for the transition into meiosisSTRA8 protein homologStimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 protein

Transcriptional activation of meiotic genes in complex with MEIOSIN; Sequestration of RB from E2F to promote S-phase entry; Suppression of autophagy-lysosome genes; Interaction with SETD8 for cell cycle regulation