Outer dense fiber protein 1 (ODF1)

Outer dense fiber protein 1 (ODF1) is the major component of the outer dense fibers (ODFs), which are cytoskeletal structures surrounding the axoneme in the midpiece and principal piece of mammalian sperm tails[1][2]. ODF1 helps maintain the elastic structure and recoil of the sperm tail and protects it from shear forces experienced during epididymal transport and ejaculation[1][2]. Defects or low expression of ODF1 and other ODF components are associated with abnormal sperm morphology, reduced sperm motility (asthenozoospermia), and male infertility[1][2][3]. ODF1 is highly expressed in testicular tissue, with its protein product localizing to the elongated tails of developing sperm[3][4]. It is not known to be a therapeutic target, nor are there approved drugs or well-characterized pharmaceutical modulators of ODF1[1][2][4][5]. ODF1 is not itself a receptor, enzyme, or drug target but is essential for the function and integrity of sperm tails, and its disruption can serve as a biomarker for particular forms of male infertility[1][2][3].

Other names

Outer dense fiber of sperm tails 1HSPB10ODFPHspB10ODFPGODF27RT7CT133cancer/testis antigen 133SODF