Fbxo47-flox Mouse

Fbxo47, an F-box protein, is a key component of the centromeric SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. It is involved in multiple meiotic processes, such as centromere pairing, telomere-inner nuclear envelope integration, and the stability of the synaptonemal complex during meiotic prophase I. These functions are crucial for proper homologous chromosome synapsis, recombination, and gametogenesis. Mouse models have been valuable in studying its functions [1,2,3].

In mouse models, knockout of Fbxo47 leads to male infertility. Fbxo47-deficient spermatocytes show defective centromere pairing, incomplete synaptonemal complex formation, unstable telomere attachment, and premature disassembly of the synaptonemal complex. FBXO47 also interacts with proteins like SKP1, TRF1/2, and HORMAD1. It stabilizes SKP1 by down-regulating its ubiquitination, and targets HORMAD1 for polyubiquitination and degradation. Disruption of Fbxo47 destabilizes TRF2 [1,2,3,4].

In summary, Fbxo47 plays essential roles in meiotic processes, especially in ensuring proper chromosome synapsis, recombination, and gamete formation. Mouse knockout models have been instrumental in revealing its functions in male infertility-related meiotic disorders. Additionally, in non-reproductive contexts, it may be involved in cancer-related processes as it is targeted by tRF-3019a in gastric cancer and miRNA-566 in non-small cell lung cancer [2,5,6].