Prostate and testis expressed protein 4 (PATE4)

Prostate and testis expressed protein 4 (PATE4) is a small, cysteine-rich, secreted protein primarily expressed in the prostate and testis epithelial cells, with limited expression in other tissues[1][3][5][7]. It belongs to the three-finger protein (TFP) superfamily, characterized by a distinctive cysteine pattern and a Ly-6/uPAR domain, and is part of a cluster of related genes on chromosome 11q24[5]. PATE4 is thought to be involved in reproductive processes, including sperm–oolemma fusion and penetration, potentially modulating sperm motility and function[4][7]. Additionally, PATE4 expression is highly specific to the prostate and testis, making it a potential molecular marker for prostate cancer and a candidate therapeutic target for cancer therapy[1][3]. There is also sequence evidence suggesting it may be regulated by androgen through androgen response elements upstream of its promoter[1][3]. No known drug interactions or direct therapeutic mechanism have been established, but its restricted tissue distribution and functional relevance to sperm physiology and prostate pathology make it of clinical research interest.

Other names

PATE-BFLJ41047PATE-like protein BPATEProstate and testis expression B