Tudor domain-containing protein 6 (TDRD6)

Tudor domain-containing protein 6 (TDRD6) is a testis-specific, multi-tudor domain protein essential for male germ cell development. It is a central component of the chromatoid body, an RNA-rich organelle in spermatids, where it organizes ribonucleoprotein granules crucial for spermiogenesis[5][1]. TDRD6 supports proper chromatoid body architecture and enables the recruitment and assembly of RNA-processing enzymes and decay factors, including the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) machinery, which regulates the stability and translation of mRNAs with long 3’ UTRs[1][3]. It participates in miRNA processing and is involved in spliceosome maturation during germ cell differentiation. TDRD6 is classified as a cancer/testis antigen, with aberrant expression observed in some cancers, and acts as an autoantigen in autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome. While not a classical therapeutic target like an enzyme or receptor, it is under investigation as a potential immunotherapy target and tumor biomarker due to its restricted expression in germ cells and certain malignancies[2][4].

Other names

Tudor domain-containing protein 6TDRD6CT41.2NY-CO-45bA446F17.4SPATA36Antigen NY-CO-45Cancer/testis antigen 41.2spermatogenesis-associated 36TDR2