Interferon-inducible GTPase 5 (IRGC)

Interferon-inducible GTPase 5, also known as IRGC or immunity-related GTPase cinema 1, is an enzyme encoded by the human IRGC gene and belongs to the p47-GTPase-like and IRG (immunity-related GTPase) families[3][5]. Unlike most family members, IRGC is not induced by interferon but is expressed predominantly in the testis, where it plays a crucial role in the formation of the fibrous sheath of sperm flagella, which is critical for normal sperm motility and male fertility[4][5]. IRGC is highly conserved among mammals and shows little to no expression in immune-related tissues, distinguishing its function from other IRGs involved in infection and immune defense. Disruption of IRGC leads to abnormal sperm tail structure and impaired motility, resulting in subfertility or infertility in male mice, indicating its specific function in male reproductive biology rather than broad immune defense[4][5]. There are currently no established clinical uses for IRGC as a therapeutic target nor well-established interactions with drugs or disease biomarker status[3][4][5].

Other names

IRGCCINEMAIFGGEIRGC1Iigp5R30953_1immunity related GTPase cinemaimmunity-related GTPase cinema 1interferon-inducible GTPase 5immunity-related GTPase family cinema 1interferon-gamma-inducible GTPase IFGGE protein