TSPYL1 gene
The TSPYL1 gene provides instructions for the TSPY-like 1 protein, which is believed to play a role in the development of the brain and male reproductive system.
Normal Function
The TSPYL1 gene provides instructions for making a protein called TSPY-like 1. This protein is active in the brain, testes (in males), and other tissues. TSPY-like 1 contains a region called a nucleosome assembly protein (NAP) domain, which is found in other proteins that help control cell division, copy (replicate) DNA, and regulate the activity of various genes.
Based on its role in a condition called sudden infant death with dysgenesis of the testes syndrome, researchers propose that TSPY-like 1 is involved in the development of the male reproductive system and the brain, including the brainstem. The brainstem regulates many basic body functions, including heart rate, breathing, eating, and sleeping, and relays information about movement and the senses between the brain and the rest of the body.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Sudden infant death with dysgenesis of the testes syndrome
A single mutation in the TSPYL1 gene has caused all identified cases of sudden infant death with dysgenesis of the testes syndrome (SIDDT). The condition is fatal in the first year of life; its major features include abnormalities of the reproductive system in males, breathing problems, a slow or uneven heart rate, and feeding difficulties.
The mutation that causes SIDDT inserts a single DNA building block (nucleotide) into the TSPYL1 gene (written as 457_458insG). This mutation alters how the gene's instructions are used, resulting in the production of an abnormally short, nonfunctional protein. A loss of TSPY-like 1 function appears to disrupt the normal development of the male reproductive system and the brainstem. Abnormalities of brainstem function, particularly involving breathing and heart rate, are likely the cause of sudden death in affected infants.
Research findings suggest that mutations in the TSPYL1 gene are not associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in the general population.
Other disorders
Changes in the TSPYL1 gene have been studied as a potential cause of infertility. Variations in the gene have been identified in several infertile men and in at least one person who was genetically male but had external genitalia that appeared female. However, it is unclear whether the TSPYL1 gene variations were related to these abnormalities or occurred by coincidence. Changes in the TSPYL1 gene are not thought to be a major cause of infertility.
Other Names for This Gene
- testis-specific Y-encoded-like protein 1
- TSPY-like 1
- TSPY-like protein 1
- TSPYL