Outer dense fiber protein 2 (ODF2)

Outer dense fiber protein 2 (ODF2) is a major structural protein in the outer dense fibers of sperm tails and is essential for sperm tail elasticity, structural integrity, and protection from shear forces during sperm transport[1][3][5][7]. ODF2 also serves critical roles in somatic cells as a component of centrosomal appendages—especially at the mother centriole—where it helps create the scaffold for microtubule organization and contributes to cell cycle–dependent centriole maturation[1][3][7]. Mutations in ODF2 can cause severe sperm abnormalities and infertility by disrupting the physical stability of the sperm head-tail connection or the flagellar structure[5][7]. Alternative splicing results in isoforms known as "cenexins" that selectively localize to somatic centrioles, further defining its role in centrosome biology[7]. ODF2 has also been classified as a cancer/testis antigen (CT134), meaning it is expressed in the testis and abnormally in some cancers, offering potential (though still exploratory) relevance as a tumor biomarker[6][7]. No known therapeutic drugs directly target ODF2 or use it as a validated drug target.

Other names

Outer dense fiber protein 2ODF84CT134Cenexincancer/testis antigen 134cenexin 1sperm tail structural proteintestis tissue sperm-binding protein Li 51eouter dense fiber of sperm tails protein 2