Peroxisomal testis enriched protein 1 (PXT1)

Peroxisomal testis enriched protein 1 (PXT1) is a small, noncanonical BH3-only protein of 51 amino acids, predominantly expressed in male germ cells, especially during the primary spermatocyte stage[1][2][3]. It is unique as the only known peroxisomal protein specifically expressed in male germ cells[1][2]. PXT1 contains a functional peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS1) and colocalizes with other peroxisomal proteins[1]. Functionally, PXT1 is proapoptotic, inducing cell death via its N-terminal BH3-like domain. Overexpression in mice leads to severe apoptosis in germ cells and results in male infertility. This proapoptotic activity is regulated through interaction with BAT3 (an apoptosis regulator), which can inhibit PXT1-induced apoptosis[1][3]. At present, PXT1 is not established as a therapeutic target, and there are no known drugs or biomarkers involving this molecule[1][2][5].

Other names

Peroxisomal testis-specific protein 1STEPPSmall testis-specific peroxisomal proteinPeroxisomal, testis specific 1