Temporally regulated transcription and translation of
several testis-specific genes is required to initiate the series of
molecular and morphological changes in the male germ cell lineage
necessary for the formation of mature spermatozoa. This gene is a
member of the SPANX family of cancer/testis-associated genes, which
are located in a cluster on chromosome X. The SPANX genes encode
differentially expressed testis-specific proteins that localize to
various subcellular compartments. This particular gene encodes a
sperm protein that contains a consensus nuclear localization signal
but, although a role in spermatogenesis is suggested, the specific
function of this family member has not yet been determined.
