Glutamine-rich protein 2 (QRICH2)

Glutamine-rich protein 2 (QRICH2) is a protein encoded by the QRICH2 gene located on human chromosome 17q25.1[1][5]. QRICH2 is predominantly expressed in the testis and localizes primarily to the nucleus and sperm flagellum, where it plays a crucial role in the formation, structure maintenance, and motility of sperm flagella[1][5][6]. It acts as a suppressor of ubiquitination and degradation of proteins involved in flagellar development[5]. QRICH2 regulates glutamine/glutamate metabolism and participates in maintaining tubulin stability and its post-translational modifications (especially glutamylation), by interacting with α-tubulin and possibly regulating the enzymes involved in these processes[2]. Loss-of-function mutations in QRICH2 lead to male infertility, most notably by causing multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF), ultimately resulting in non-motile or malformed sperm[2][3]. There are currently no known drugs targeting QRICH2, and it is not regarded as a therapeutic target such as a receptor, enzyme, transporter, or classical druggable protein[1][5].

Other names

QRICH2glutamine rich 2SPGF35DKFZP434P0316glutamine-rich protein 2