1700011N12Rik, 1700029H01Rik, 4930424D10Rik, Mtsarg1, SPATA3, Spermatogenesis-associated protein 3, SPTA3_HUMAN, Testis and spermatogenesis cell-related protein 1, Testis spermatocyte apoptosis-related protein 1, Tsarg1.
TSARG1 is a 183 amino acid protein predominantly expressed in the testis. TSARG1 was initially discovered due to its possible role in spermatogenesis or spermatogenesis cell apoptosis and it may be linked to cell cycle control. Apoptosis during spermatogenesis is a natural occurrence and typically effects 75-80% of the germ cells. This high rate of apoptosis is required for normal mature speramatogenesis. It may be a consequence of mutated DNA but it is also believed to ensure a proper ratio between Sertoli cells and germ cells.
