Ring finger protein 17 (RNF17)

Ring finger protein 17 (RNF17) is a testis-specific protein containing a RING finger motif typical of ubiquitin E3 ligases, and multiple Tudor domains that facilitate protein-protein and likely protein-RNA interactions[1][2][4]. RNF17 is exclusively expressed in male germ cells, where it forms spherical, electron-dense cytoplasmic granules known as "nuage" or more specifically "RNF17 granules", especially in pachytene/diplotene spermatocytes and elongating spermatids[1][2]. These granules, and the ADAD2-RNF17 complex, play essential roles in the regulation of RNA metabolism and piRNA pathway, supporting male germ cell differentiation, specifically spermiogenesis[2]. Loss of RNF17 leads to a complete arrest of spermiogenesis resulting in male infertility, and mouse models indicate a non-redundant essential role in male germline development but not in female germ cells[1][2]. While it can regulate the localization of Mad family transcription factors and thus MYC-targeted gene activation, no drugs or targeted therapies are currently known for RNF17, and its role as a therapeutic target is not established[4]. RNF17 is not a classic disease-associated target and is best regarded as a germ cell development regulatory protein required for male fertility.

Other names

RING finger protein 17TDRD4Tudor domain-containing protein 4Spermatogenesis associated 23SPATA23Mmip-2FLJ11045