Sperm Associated Antigen 17 (SPAG17)

SPAG17 contains 2 LRR (leucine-rich) repeats, Seems to be important for the structural integrity of the central apparatus of the sperm axoneme. Highly expressed in testis. Expressed in organs that contain cilia-bearing cells including brain, oviduct, lung, and uterus.

SPAG1 was recently identified in a rare form of infertility where anti-SPAG1 antibodies derived from the serum of an infertile woman were reported to cause sperm agglutination. Except for its expression and potential role in spermatogenesis, the function of SPAG1 is completely unknown.