Fer-1-like protein 5 (FER1L5)

Fer-1-like protein 5 (FER1L5) is a member of the ferlin family of multi-domain proteins, structurally related to dysferlin and myoferlin, involved in membrane trafficking, vesicle-mediated membrane repair, and cell-cell fusion events[1][2][5]. FER1L5 is particularly enriched in the testis and is essential for the acrosome reaction in sperm—a calcium-dependent membrane fusion event critical for fertilization[3][7]. In muscle cells, FER1L5 participates in myoblast fusion and membrane repair processes, with localization to vesicles engaged in these events[1]. Its C2 domains differ from other ferlins by lacking canonical calcium-binding features, but FER1L5 may still interact with negatively charged phospholipid surfaces and contribute to vesicle-plasma membrane fusion[2][5]. Loss of FER1L5 results in defective sperm acrosome reaction and male infertility in mice and may impair muscle membrane repair, but there are no currently known therapeutic drugs, biomarker uses, or direct safety concerns reported for this target[3][1]. The known disease associations are limited to reproductive and muscle cell function rather than classical drug target roles.

Other names

FER1L5fer-1 like family member 5Fer-1-like protein 5DKFZp434I0121fer-1-like 5