Spermatogenesis Associated Protein 9 (SPATA9)

The deduced 254-amino acid protein contains a transmembrane domain and has a calculated molecular mass of about 29 kD. The 3-prime untranslated region of the transcript contains an atypical polyadenylation signal (AGTAAA). NYD-SP16 shares 73% identity with the homologous mouse protein. PCR analysis detected highest levels of NYD-SP16 in testis and pancreas, with lower levels in heart, lung, and brain, and very low levels in placenta. Semiquantitative PCR of developing mouse testis showed expression increased from week 1 to week 7. In situ hybridization and RT-PCR of 7-week mouse testis detected expression in spermatogenic cells that increased at every stage of development. Transient transfection in choriocarcinoma cells resulted in localization at the plasma membrane.