FOXL2: a gene central to ovarian function

J Clin Pathol. 2023 Dec;76(12):798-801. doi: 10.1136/jcp-2023-208827. Epub 2023 Oct 5.

Abstract

The FOXL2 (forkhead box L2) gene is located on chromosome 3 and encodes for forkhead box (FOX) family of transcription factors which play a critical role in various biological processes. Germline FOXL2 mutations have been identified in blepharophimosis/ptosis/epicanthus inversus syndrome. The somatic missense mutation in FOXL2 (FOXL2 C134W) is now known to be the defining molecular feature of adult-type granulosa cell tumour of the ovary, present in over 90% of cases of this tumour type. Immunohistochemistry for FOXL2 is used as a marker of sex cord-stromal differentiation. However, expression is not restricted to lesions harbouring FOXL2 mutations, and it is positive in a variety of sex cord-stromal proliferations other than adult-type granulosa cell tumour.

Keywords: Eye Diseases; Genes, Neoplasm; OVARY; Pituitary Diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Forkhead Box Protein L2 / genetics
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors* / genetics
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • Mutation, Missense*
  • Ovary / metabolism

Substances

  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Forkhead Box Protein L2
  • FOXL2 protein, human

Supplementary concepts

  • Blepharophimosis, Ptosis, and Epicanthus Inversus