User:Dagglou/sandbox

Family Characteristics
DAZ family of proteins are mRNA translation regulators with a characteristic recognition motif for binding target mRNAs and a sequence of 24 amino acids that is characteristic to the family, named DAZ repeats. The family includes Boule (or Boll), Dazl (or Dazla) and DAZ genes. The latter is found as multiple gene copies called DAZ gene cluster. These are found on the Y chromosome of higher primates, whereas Boule and Dazl are located on autosomal chromosomes. The characteristic structure of the protein family is a single RRM-like RNA-binding domain at the N-terminus (amino terminus), and amino acid repeats in the C-terminus (carboxy terminus). DAZ protein family is one of the few examples of a tissue-specific RNA-binding protein that acts as a developmental regulator. In mice and humans, DAZ protein is non-uniformly distributed in the cytoplasm of pre-meiotic germ cells due to its oligomerisation with itself. However, there are currently not relevant data for Dazl and Boule. None of the family members is found in plants or fungi suggesting the DAZ family is an animal specific family of reproduction genes.

Conservation Among Species
Expression of DAZ proteins varies between species but is mainly expressed in Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs). One DAZ homologue is expressed in nearly every stage of spermatogenesis, from primordial germ cells (PGCs) to mature spermatozoa. The conservation of DAZ family genes among various species ranging from unicellular organisms to humans indicates their important role in fertility. More precisely, DAZ is only present in higher primates, without any homologs being present in unicellular organisms whereas Boule is found in species ranging from sea anemones to humans and Dazl is conserved among vertebrates. Boule was the first gene originating, while DAZ evolved from Dazl during primate evolution resulting in a 90% similarity in humans.