This gene encodes a protein that functions in postnatal oocyte-specific gene expression. The protein is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that regulates multiple oocyte-specific genes, including genes involved in folliculogenesis and those that encode the zona pellucida. Mutations in this gene cause premature ovarian failure type 6. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2009] see less This gene encodes a protein that functions in postnatal oocyte-specific gene expression. The protein is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that regulates multiple oocyte-specific genes, including genes involved in folliculogenesis and those that encode the zona pellucida. Mutations in this gene cause premature ovarian failure type 6. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2009]