MORC1

This gene encodes the human homolog of mouse morc and like the mouse protein it is testis-specific. Mouse studies support a testis-specific function since only male knockout mice are infertile; infertility is the only apparent defect. These studies further support a role for this protein early in spermatogenesis, possibly by affecting entry into apoptosis because testis from knockout mice show greatly increased numbers of apoptotic cells. [provided by RefSeq]

Full Name

MORC family CW-type zinc finger 1

Function

Required for spermatogenesis (By similarity).

Essential for de novo DNA methylation and silencing of transposable elements in the male embryonic germ cells (By similarity).

Biological Process

Behavioral fear response Source: Ensembl
Cell differentiation Source: UniProtKB-KW
DNA hypermethylation Source: Ensembl
DNA methylation involved in gamete generation Source: Ensembl
Gene silencing by RNA Source: UniProtKB-KW
Negative regulation of DNA-templated transcription, initiation Source: Ensembl
Negative regulation of transposition Source: Ensembl
Regulation of gene expression, epigenetic Source: Ensembl
Spermatogenesis Source: ProtInc

Cellular Location

Nucleus