Tudor domain-containing protein 9 (TDRD9)

Tudor domain-containing protein 9 (TDRD9) is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase with a key role in male germ cell development and genome defense[1][2][4][5]. It contains multiple functional domains including a DEAD-box helicase domain, a HELICS domain, an HA2 domain, and a Tudor domain that facilitates interaction with Piwi proteins and recognition of methylated targets[4]. TDRD9 is essential for the silencing of transposable elements in the germline during spermatogenesis, primarily by acting downstream in the piRNA pathway—forming complexes with piRNAs and Piwi proteins—and enforcing DNA methylation and suppression of transposon mobilization[1][3][4][5]. Disruption or mutation of TDRD9 causes loss of transposon repression, altered piRNA profiles, and meiotic failure, ultimately leading to diseases such as azoospermia and oligozoospermia[4][3]. In humans, TDRD9 is highly expressed in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids, and is required for male fertility[4][1]. While functionally significant in reproductive biology, TDRD9 is not a current drug target and has no known pharmacological modulators in clinical or preclinical use[1][4].

Other names

ATP-dependent RNA helicase TDRD9C14orf75DKFZp434N0820FLJ36164NET54hypoxia-inducible HIG-1HLSSPGF30SPNETudor domain-containing protein 9

Not applicable; no known drugs target TDRD9