Zinc finger protein, Y-linked (ZFY)

Zinc finger protein, Y-linked (ZFY) is a Y chromosome-encoded transcription factor characterized by a C-terminal array of zinc finger DNA-binding domains and an N-terminal acidic transactivating domain[1][2]. ZFY is expressed predominantly in the testis, with testis-specific transcript variants, and plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis, including the regulation of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), removal of germ cells with unpaired chromosomes, and apoptosis of germ cells with sex chromosome aberrations[1][2]. In humans and other mammals, ZFY is critical for male fertility; knockouts in animal models cause severe spermatogenic defects and infertility[1]. ZFY was once considered a candidate for the testis-determining factor (TDF) involved in male sex determination, but this is now attributed to SRY[1][2]. There are no known drugs that specifically target ZFY, and its dysfunction is linked to defective spermatogenesis and male infertility but not to direct involvement in common therapeutic categories such as cancer or inflammation[1][2].

Other names

ZNF911zinc finger Y-chromosomal proteinzinc finger Y-chromosomal protein ZFY