background:
ASZ1 (ankyrin repeat, SAM and basic leucine zipper domain-containing protein 1), also known as ANKL1, ALP1 (Ankyrin-like protein 1), GASZ (germ cell-specific ankyrin, SAM and basic leucine zipper domain-containing protein) or Orf3, is a 475 amino acid protein that is suggested to function as a signal transducer during germ cell maturation. Localized to the cytoplasm of pachytene spermatocytes, early spermatids and oocytes, ASZ1 is primarily found in adult testis and ovary where it mediates protein-protein interactions. ASZ1 contains six ANK repeats, one SAM (sterile alpha motif) domain and is encoded by a gene located on human chromosome 7q31, a region that may have an important role in the development certain types of human cancer.
Function:
Plays a central role during spermatogenesis by repressing 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. Its association with pi-bodies suggests a participation in the primary piRNAs metabolic process. Required prior to the pachytene stage to facilitate the production of multiple types of piRNAs, including those associated with repeats involved in regulation of retrotransposons. May act by mediating protein-protein interactions during germ cell maturation (By similarity).
Subunit:
Interacts with DDX4, PIWIL1, RANBP9 and TDRD1 (By similarity).
Subcellular Location:
Cytoplasm (By similarity). Note=Component of the meiotic nuage, also named P granule, a germ-cell-specific organelle required to repress transposon during meiosis. Specifically localizes to pi-bodies, a subset of the nuage which contains primary piRNAs (By similarity).
Tissue Specificity:
Expressed exclusively in the testis and ovary and at higher levels in the adult testis compared with the adult ovary.
Similarity:
Contains 6 ANK repeats.
Contains 1 SAM (sterile alpha motif) domain.
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 136991 Human
SwissProt: Q8WWH4 Human
Important Note:
This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications.
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