NCBI Summary:
This gene is a member of the cullin family. The encoded protein forms a complex that functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase and catalyzes the polyubiquitination of specific protein substrates in the cell. The protein interacts with a ring finger protein, and is required for the proteolysis of several regulators of DNA replication including chromatin licensing and DNA replication factor 1 and cyclin E. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
General function
, Epigenetic modifications
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Cellular localization
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Ovarian function
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Expression regulated by
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Ovarian localization
Oocyte
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CRL4 complex regulates mammalian oocyte survival and reprogramming by activation of TET proteins. Yu C 2013 et al.
The duration of a woman's reproductive period is determined by the size and persistence of a dormant oocyte pool. Specific oocyte genes are essential for follicle maintenance and female fertility. The mechanisms that regulate the expression of these genes are poorly understood. We found that a cullin-ring finger ligase-4 (CRL4) complex was crucial in this process. Oocyte-specific deletion of the CRL4 linker protein DDB1 or its substrate adaptor VPRBP (also known as DCAF1) caused rapid oocyte loss, premature ovarian insufficiency, and silencing of fertility maintaining genes. CRL4(VPRBP) activates the TET methylcytosine dioxygenases, which are involved in female germ cell development and zygote genome reprogramming. Hence, CRL4(VPRBP) ubiquitin ligase is a guardian of female reproductive life in germ cells and a maternal reprogramming factor after fertilization.
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