NCBI Summary:
The protein encoded by this gene contains a SH2 domain and a SOCS BOX domain. The protein thus belongs to the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS), also known as STAT-induced STAT inhibitor (SSI), protein family. SOCS family members are known to be cytokine-inducible negative regulators of cytokine signaling. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding the same protein have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
General function
Intracellular signaling cascade
Comment
Cellular localization
Cytoplasmic
Comment
Ovarian function
Initiation of primordial follicle growth
Comment
Suppressor of cytokine signaling 4 (SOCS4): moderator of ovarian primordial follicle activation. Sutherland JM et al. (2012) Mammalian ovarian primordial follicle activation and regulation is considered as one of the most important stages of folliculogenesis and as such requires exquisite control. Selection of quiescent follicles to enter the growing pool determines the rate of supply of maturing follicles over the female reproductive lifespan. To coordinate this process a range of positive and negative input signals contribute to determine follicle fate. This study demonstrates that the cytokine Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) activates the Janus Kinase 1/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription 3 (JAK1/STAT3) signaling pathway in pre-granulosa cells and positively regulates primordial follicle activation. Negative regulation of the JAK/STAT pathway is controlled by the suppressor of cytokine signaling 4 (SOCS4) protein, which target members of negative feedback loops, Cardiotrophin like Cytokine (CLC), Poly (rC) Binding Protein 1 (PCBP1), and Cytosolic Malate Dehydrogenase (MDH1) to suppress follicle growth and development.//////////////////