DPY30 Domain Containing Protein 1 (DYDC1)

The N-terminal BAR domain of endophilin has unique functions, such as affecting the curvature of the lipid membrane through its lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase activity. DYDC1 was identified in a yeast two-hybrid screen from a human testis library by using the SH3P13 BAR domain as the bait. Consistent with the expression pattern of SH3P13, DYDC1 is exclusively expressed in the brain and testis and accumulates in the acrosome area during late stage of spermiogenesis. DYDC1 plays a crucial role during acrosome biogenesis. This relationship has been verified by a novel approach that involves germ cell transplantation and RNA interference. Knockdown of endogenous Dydc1 interfered with the formation of acrosomes, and thus spermatid differentiation during mouse spermiogenesis.