The phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of proteins on serine and threonine residues is an essential means of regulating a broad range of cellular functions in eukaryotes, including cell division, homeostasis and apoptosis. A group of proteins that are intimately involved in this process are the serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinases. TSSK 6 (testis-specific serine kinase 6), also known as SSTK, TSSK4, FKSG82 or CT72, is a 273 amino acid protein that contains one protein kinase domain and belongs to the Ser/Thr protein kinase family. Highly expressed in testis with lower expression in ovary, colon, thymus, small intestine and spleen, TSSK 6 catalyzes the ATP-dependent phosphorylation of proteins involved in sperm production and chromatin remodeling. TSSK 6 uses magnesium as a cofactor and is thought to be required for proper sperm development and function, as well as DNA condensation events. Defects in the gene encoding TSSK 6 are associated with male infertility characterized by low sperm count and decreased sperm motility.
