DAP2

DAP2, also known as Deleted in Azoospermia 2, is a gene located on chromosome 15. It encodes a protein that is a member of the RING-finger protein family, which are often involved in protein ubiquitination. The DAP2 protein plays a role in spermatogenesis, the process of sperm production in males. It is predominantly expressed in the testes. Mutations or deletions in the DAP2 gene have been associated with male infertility, specifically with azoospermia, a condition where there is no sperm in the ejaculate. Research suggests that DAP2 is important for proper sperm development and function. Its precise molecular mechanisms are still under investigation, but it is thought to be involved in regulating gene expression and protein degradation pathways essential for the meiotic and post-meiotic stages of sperm formation. Understanding the function of DAP2 is crucial for diagnosing and potentially treating certain forms of male infertility.