Actin-like protein 7B (ACTL7B)

Actin-like protein 7B (ACTL7B) is a testis-specific member of the actin-related protein (ARP) family, distinct from canonical actin, and is essential for male fertility[3][2]. Its expression is restricted to round and elongating spermatids in both human and mouse testes, where it is localized in the nucleus, acrosome, and flagellar connecting piece during spermiogenesis[3]. Unlike canonical actins, ACTL7B does not form filamentous actin but is implicated in multimeric protein complexes, particularly those involved in chromatin remodeling and nuclear organization in germ cells[1][3][2]. Disruption (e.g., gene knockout) of ACTL7B in male mice results in infertility due to severe sperm morphological defects, including oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and multiple flagellar abnormalities, closely modeling some forms of human male infertility[3]. Emerging evidence implicates ACTL7B in the regulation of gene expression, epigenetic modifications, and structural assembly during late spermatid development[1][2][3]. There are no current drug interactions, therapeutic mechanisms of action, or established safety concerns related to ACTL7B, as it is not a druggable target or receptor but rather a structural and regulatory protein essential for male germ cell development.

Other names

Actin-like 7BTact1Actin-like-7-betaactin-like 7-betatestis tissue sperm-binding protein Li 43a