Solute carrier family 35 member G3 (SLC35G3)

SLC35G3 is a member of the SLC35 family of nucleotide sugar transporters found predominantly in the testis, localized to the Golgi apparatus of early round spermatids. It is a multi-pass transmembrane protein responsible for transporting UDP-N-acetylglucosamine into the Golgi, enabling the glycosylation of critical sperm membrane proteins, including those involved in acrosome formation and zona pellucida binding. Mouse SLC35G3 knockout models are sterile due to failure in sperm transit and fertilization processes. Human mutations in SLC35G3 diminish its transporter activity and are associated with male infertility risk. SLC35G3 is thus essential for sperm membrane protein glycosylation and male reproductive fitness. Key references for structure, function, and disease role include functional genetic studies in mice, protein biochemical analysis, and human variant association with infertility. No therapeutic agents currently target SLC35G3, but it may serve as a biomarker for specific infertility syndromes related to glycoprotein processing in sperm.

Other names

TMEM21AAMAC1FLJ40154Acyl-malonyl-condensing enzyme 1Transmembrane protein 21AS35G3_HUMAN