Testis-expressed protein 44 (TEX44)

Testis-expressed protein 44 (TEX44) is a protein mainly expressed in the testis, particularly in germ cells at all stages of the seminiferous epithelium, with strong expression in elongating spermatids[8]. TEX44 is implicated in the assembly of the sperm flagellum during spermiogenesis and is required for correct mitochondrial sheath formation in sperm[2]. Loss of TEX44 in mice results in severe subfertility and abnormal sperm flagellar morphology, indicating a vital role in male fertility[2][6]. Mechanistically, TEX44 regulates carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B (CPT1B) activity to fine-tune fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in sperm, ensuring correct flagellar and mitochondrial function[1]. To date, TEX44 is not characterized as a traditional therapeutic target (e.g., receptor, enzyme, transporter), nor are there known drugs or clinical biomarkers directly interacting with or associated with TEX44[3][8].

Other names

C2orf57MGC35154testis-expressed protein 44uncharacterized protein C2orf57