STRA8 is a meiosis-inducing transcription factor essential for germ cell transition from mitosis to meiosis in both sexes 1. In complex with MEIOSIN, STRA8 directly activates critical meiotic genes required for premeiotic DNA replication and meiotic prophase progression 1. In female germ cells, STRA8 functions downstream of the RB pathway as a key effector of the female-specific meiotic program 2. During spermatogenesis, STRA8 responds to retinoic acid signaling and works with MEIOC-mediated mRNA decay to establish molecular competence for meiotic initiation 3. Loss-of-function variants in STRA8 are associated with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and primary amenorrhea, highlighting its critical role in female fertility 4. STRA8 collaborates with BMP signaling to ensure proper meiotic progression independent of pluripotency dissolution in fetal ovarian germ cells 5. Additionally, STRA8 positively regulates retrotransposon-derived genes PNMA1 and PNMA4 necessary for maintaining reproductive lifespan 6. Mutations in STRA8 represent a documented genetic cause of ovarian insufficiency in animal models with clinical relevance to human infertility 7.