Deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL)

Deleted in azoospermia-like (DAZL) is a germline-specific RNA-binding protein essential for gametogenesis in both males and females[3][5][7]. The protein localizes to the nucleus and cytoplasm in fetal and postnatal germ cells, and undergoes dynamic relocalization between nucleus and cytoplasm during stages of spermatogenesis and oogenesis[3][7]. DAZL acts as a regulator of translation, functioning as both repressor and activator of maternal and germ cell mRNAs, primarily by interacting with the poly(A)-binding proteins and directly binding to 3′ UTRs of many transcripts involved in germ cell development[1][2][5][6]. Disruption or mutation of the DAZL gene leads to severe spermatogenic failure and infertility, and in animal models, absence of DAZL impairs both expansion and differentiation of progenitor germ cells and can predispose to germ cell tumors[2][3][4][7]. DAZL is not considered a direct therapeutic target (such as a receptor or enzyme), but its function is critical for fertility and germline maintenance.

Other names

DAZHDAZL1DAZLASPGYLADAZ homologDAZ-like autosomalSPGY-like-autosomaldeleted in azoospermia-like 1germline specific RNA binding proteinspermatogenesis gene on the Y-like autosomaltestis secretory sperm-binding protein Li 204aMGC26406