TSPY8
The Enigmatic TSPY8 Gene: Unraveling Its Role in Disease and Development
Description
The TSPY8 gene, located on chromosome 16p11.2, encodes the TESPA1 protein, an essential component of the centriole, a cellular organelle responsible for cell division and cilia formation. TSPY8 plays a crucial role in regulating cell cycle and spermatogenesis, the process of sperm production.
Associated Diseases
Mutations in the TSPY8 gene have been linked to several diseases, including:
- Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD): A rare genetic disorder that affects the function of cilia, leading to respiratory and reproductive issues. Mutations in TSPY8 account for approximately 10% of PCD cases.
- Kartagener Syndrome: A severe form of PCD characterized by situs inversus (reversed organ placement), chronic respiratory infections, and infertility. Mutations in TSPY8 are responsible for about 25% of Kartagener Syndrome cases.
- Male Infertility: Mutations in TSPY8 are associated with a significant reduction in sperm motility and count, leading to infertility in men.
Did you Know ?
According to a study published in the journal "Human Molecular Genetics," mutations in the TSPY8 gene are found in approximately 1 in 200 men with unexplained infertility.