DAZL

The DAZ (Deleted in AZoospermia) gene family encodes potential RNA binding proteins that are expressed in prenatal and postnatal germ cells of males and females. The protein encoded by this gene is localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm of fetal germ cells and to the cytoplasm of developing oocytes. In the testis, this protein is localized to the nucleus of spermatogonia but relocates to the cytoplasm during meiosis where it persists in spermatids and spermatozoa. Transposition and amplification of this autosomal gene during primate evolution gave rise to the DAZ gene cluster on the Y chromosome. Mutations in this gene have been linked to severe spermatogenic failure and infertility in males. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jun 2010]

Deleted In Azoospermia Like

RNA-binding protein, which is essential for gametogenesis in both males and females. Plays a central role during spermatogenesis. Acts by binding to the 3'-UTR of mRNA, specifically recognizing GUU triplets, and thereby regulating the translation of key transcripts (By similarity).

3'-UTR-mediated mRNA stabilization Source: GO_Central
Germ cell development Source: ProtInc
Multicellular organism development Source: UniProtKB-KW
Positive regulation of translational initiation Source: UniProtKB
Spermatogenesis Source: UniProtKB-KW

Nucleus; Cytoplasm. Predominantly cytoplasmic. Nuclear in spermatogonia until near the end of the meiotic prophase and cytoplasmic localization from then onward.