Mutational analysis of SAL-Like 4 (SALL4) in Han Chinese women with premature ovarian failure

Abstract

Pluripotency associated transcription factor, SAL-Like 4 (SALL4), might play an important role in conferring totipotency on oocytes. In the present study, we screened SALL4 coding regions for mutations in 100 Han Chinese women with non-syndromic ovarian failure and discovered two novel non-synonymous variants in the SALL4 gene: c.541G>A (p.Val181Met) and c.2449A>G. (p.Thr817Ala). The former variant was located in an evolutionary conserved region of SALL4 protein and might affect its function. This is the first report to suggest that SALL4 might be a potential candidate gene of premature ovarian failure. © The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved.