Sperm microtubule inner protein 11 (SPMIP11)

Sperm microtubule inner protein 11 (SPMIP11) is a structural component of the axonemal doublet microtubules found specifically in the flagella of sperm cells. SPMIP11 (also known as TEX49) is classified as a microtubule inner protein (MIP), implicated in the structural reinforcement and stabilization of the microtubule axoneme, which is critical for the motility of sperm. Its predicted cellular localization includes the cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, and the motile cilium or sperm flagellum, specifically in the axonemal A tubule inner sheath. Contrary to some early annotations, it is a protein-coding gene rather than a long non-coding RNA, although historical names such as LINC00935 persist in the literature. Human SPMIP11 is evolutionarily conserved, related to structural axonemal proteins in other ciliated eukaryotes, and is essential for proper sperm function and fertility. It does not fit into conventional target classes used in drug discovery (such as receptor, enzyme, ion channel, or transporter) and there are no known drugs or therapeutic interventions currently associated with SPMIP11.

Other names

TEX49LINC00935Testis-expressed protein 49Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 9354930415O20Rik (mouse)

Not applicable, as no drugs are known to target this molecule. It acts as a structural protein within microtubules