Cilia- and flagella-associated protein 157 (CFAP157)

Cilia- and flagella-associated protein 157 (CFAP157) is a cytoskeletal-associated protein critical for the development and function of motile cilia, particularly in the context of spermatogenesis. It is essential for proper flagellum morphogenesis and sperm motility. CFAP157 is expressed in tissues with motile cilia in a FOXJ1-dependent manner and localizes to the basal bodies, interacting with tubulin and the centrosomal protein CEP350. Genetic loss of CFAP157 in mice does not disrupt overall organismal development, but male mice lacking CFAP157 are infertile due to defective sperm flagella, resulting in aberrant axonemal structures and impaired motility. There is strong conservation between mouse and human orthologs; the human gene is also known as C9orf117. To date, there are no known drugs targeting CFAP157, and it is not classified as a therapeutic target, but it may be relevant to the molecular pathology of certain forms of male infertility[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

C9orf117CF157cilia and flagella associated protein 157