Testis-specific gene 10 protein (TSGA10)

Testis-specific gene 10 protein (TSGA10) is a highly conserved structural protein primarily expressed in testicular germ cells, essential for proper sperm development and mitochondrial sheath arrangement[1][2][3][7]. Mutations in TSGA10 are associated with male infertility syndromes, especially spermatogenic failure[1][3]. TSGA10 is cleaved into two main fragments with distinct localizations within spermatozoa, contributing to sperm structure and function[2]. Beyond reproduction, TSGA10 acts as a cancer/testis antigen, with aberrant expression observed in various tumors; it can function as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting metabolic and metastatic processes in cancer cells, partially through antagonism of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1)[2][4]. The protein also interacts with other centrosomal proteins (e.g., CEP135), influencing centrosome assembly and genomic stability. Its roles in embryogenesis, neural development, and immune cell function have also been reported[2]. TSGA10’s unique pattern of expression makes it a candidate biomarker in both infertility diagnostics and cancer immunotherapy, though targeting it requires caution due to its essential physiological roles.

Other names

TSGA10Testis specific 10CEP4LCT79SPGF26Testis development protein NYD-SP7Cancer/testis antigen 79