Stains & CD markers
FOXL2


Last author update: 1 October 2013
Last staff update: 18 June 2021

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PubMed Search: FOXL2[title]

Nat Pernick, M.D.
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Cite this page: Pernick N. FOXL2. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/stainsfoxl2.html. Accessed March 18th, 2024.
Definition / general
  • Forkhead Box L2; belongs to large family of forkhead FOX transcription factors (PLoS One 2012;7:e46270)
  • One of first genes expressed in female gonad development, required for proper granulosa cell differentiation during folliculogenesis
  • Expression strongly maintained in granulosa cells throughout life
  • FOXL2 expression has role in developing eyelid, associated with blepharophimosis ptosis epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES), with or without accompanying premature ovarian failure (Mol Vis 2011;17:436, J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2013 Sep 13:1)


FOXL2 mutation

Uses by pathologists
  • FOXL2 mutation analysis distinguishes diffuse adult granulosa cell tumor ( 402C→G mutation present) from cellular fibroma (mutation absent) (Am J Surg Pathol 2013;37:1450, Mod Pathol 2013;26:860)
  • Note: FOXL2 staining is not specific for the FOXL2 mutation
Microscopic (histologic) images

Images hosted on other servers:

Ovary: BPES patients
(figs K / L)

Ovary: granulosa cell tumors

Positive staining - normal
  • Nuclear stain
  • Ovary: granulosa cells
Positive staining - disease
Negative staining
  • Ovary: most non sex cord stromal tumors
  • Ovary: gonadoblastoma - germ cells in gonadoblastoma and dysgerminoma components (Pediatr Dev Pathol 2011;14:391)
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