Spermatogenesis-associated protein 19, mitochondrial (SPATA19)

Spermatogenesis-associated protein 19, mitochondrial (SPATA19) is a protein encoded by the SPATA19 gene and is essential for normal sperm motility and male fertility[1][2][4][6][8]. It is predicted to play a key role in the organization and function of mitochondria in sperm cells, especially in the midpiece, where mitochondrial sheath formation is critical for motility[1][2][4][6][7][8]. In human and mouse, loss of expression or function of SPATA19 leads to compromised sperm motility and male infertility due to abnormal mitochondrial structure in the sperm tail[7]. While its expression is mainly testis-specific, some studies have observed SPATA19 expression in certain cancer types, suggesting a potential—though not yet well-established—role in cancer biology[3]. To date, SPATA19 is not considered a classical therapeutic target, and no approved drugs or biomarker uses are reported[1][8].

Other names

SPATA19Spergen-1Spergen1SPAS1CT132FLJ25851Cancer/testis antigen 132Spermatogenic cell-specific gene 1 proteinTestis secretory sperm-binding protein Li 243mP