FKBP6

The protein encoded by this gene is a cis-trans peptidyl-prolyl isomerase that may function in immunoregulation and basic cellular processes involving protein folding and trafficking. This gene is located in a chromosomal region that is deleted in Williams-Beuren syndrome. Defects in this gene may cause male infertility. There are multiple pseudogenes for this gene located nearby on chromosome 7. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2013]

FK506 Binding Protein 6

Co-chaperone required during spermatogenesis to repress transposable elements and prevent their mobilization, which is essential for the germline integrity. Acts via the piRNA metabolic process, which mediates the repression of transposable elements during meiosis by forming complexes composed of piRNAs and Piwi proteins and govern the methylation and subsequent repression of transposons. Acts as a co-chaperone via its interaction with HSP90 and is required for the piRNA amplification process, the secondary piRNA biogenesis. May be required together with HSP90 in removal of 16 nucleotide ping-pong by-products from Piwi complexes, possibly facilitating turnover of Piwi complexes (By similarity).

Cell differentiation Source: UniProtKB-KW
DNA methylation involved in gamete generation Source: UniProtKB
Gene silencing by RNA Source: UniProtKB
Meiotic cell cycle Source: UniProtKB
piRNA metabolic process Source: UniProtKB
Positive regulation of viral genome replication Source: AgBase
Protein folding Source: UniProtKB
Protein peptidyl-prolyl isomerization Source: GOC
Spermatogenesis Source: UniProtKB

Cytosol; Nucleus; Chromosome. Does not localize to pi-bodies. Localizes to meiotic chromosome cores and regions of homologous chromosome synapsis (By similarity).

FKBP6 is located in the Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) critical region. WBS results from a hemizygous deletion of several genes on chromosome 7q11.23, thought to arise as a consequence of unequal crossing over between highly homologous low-copy repeat sequences flanking the deleted region. Haploinsufficiency of FKBP6 may be the cause of certain cardiovascular and musculo-skeletal abnormalities observed in the disease (PubMed:9782077). A father and son with Williams-Beuren syndrome appear to have a common heterozygous deletion that includes FKBP6 gene. However, the haploinsufficiency for FKBP6 does not appear to preclude male fertility (PubMed:15770126).
Defects in FKBP6 may be a cause of azoospermia. A study based on 323 patients with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia suggested an association between FKBP6 variants and azoospermia (PubMed:17307919). However, other studies suggest that defects in FKBP6 are not a common cause of non-obstructive azoospermia (PubMed:16227348).