Testis- and ovary-specific PAZ domain-containing protein 1 (TOPAZ1)

TOPAZ1 encodes a large, highly conserved protein containing both a **PAZ domain** (characteristic of proteins involved in RNA silencing, such as Piwi and Dicer) and a **CCCH-type zinc finger domain** (typical of RNA binding proteins)[1]. It is expressed specifically in germ cells within the ovary (during fetal life, especially during meiosis) and in testis (in adulthood)[1]. In knockout mice, TOPAZ1 is essential for male fertility; absence leads to arrest of meiosis and lack of haploid germ cells, resulting in sterility[2][3]. It regulates expression of genes, including long non-coding RNAs, especially those important for cytoskeleton and cilium mobility in developing sperm[2]. While conserved and likely pivotal for reproductive success, it is not currently considered a receptor, enzyme, or therapeutic target, but rather a developmentally regulated factor implicated in RNA biology of germ cells[1][2][5].

Other names

TOPAZ1C3orf77FLJ36157Testis- and ovary-specific PAZ domain gene 1Testis and ovary-specific PAZ domain-containing protein 1Testis and ovary specific TOPAZ 1

Not applicable; no drugs are known to directly target TOPAZ1