Deleted in azoospermia protein 4 (DAZ4)

Deleted in azoospermia protein 4 (DAZ4) is an RNA-binding protein belonging to the DAZ gene family, located on the human Y chromosome[1]. It is expressed primarily in premeiotic germ cells, particularly spermatogonia, and is essential for normal spermatogenesis[1][4][5][7]. DAZ4 likely performs its function by binding to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), thereby regulating their translation[1][5][7]. Multiple copies of the gene exist within Y-chromosomal palindromic regions, with variation in repeat structure among individuals[1][2]. Mutations or deletions involving DAZ4 are associated with male infertility disorders, notably Y-chromosome microdeletion syndrome and azoospermia[1][2]. DAZ4 is not currently targeted by any drugs and has no established role in therapeutics outside reproductive medicine.

Other names

pDP1680pDP1681DAZ4Deleted in azoospermia 4