Ccdc172, also known as Tektin2-binding protein 1 (TEKT2BP1), is a gene encoding a protein with a coiled-coil domain. It is predominantly expressed in the testis. Ccdc172 may be involved in the structural linkage between the outer dense fiber (ODF) and mitochondria in the middle piece of sperm flagella, potentially playing a role in sperm-related biological processes [2].

In a study on mouse models, knockout of genes similar to Ccdc172 (1700010I14RIK, which contains the same Pfam domain as a related protein TSNAXIP1) led to reduced male fertility and impaired sperm motility with asymmetric flagellar waveforms. This implies that Ccdc172, with its similar domain, may have a similar function in regulating sperm flagellar beating patterns [1].

In conclusion, Ccdc172 appears to be important for sperm-related functions, such as sperm motility and male fertility, as indicated by gene-knockout-related studies in mice. Understanding its role can contribute to the study of male infertility, a disease area where Ccdc172 may play a significant part.

References:

1. Kaneda, Yuki, Miyata, Haruhiko, Shimada, Keisuke, Oura, Seiya, Ikawa, Masahito. 2023. Testis-specific proteins, TSNAXIP1 and 1700010I14RIK, are important for sperm motility and male fertility in mice. In Andrology, 11, 799-807. doi:10.1111/andr.13378. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36598146/

2. Yamaguchi, Airi, Kaneko, Takane, Inai, Tetsuichiro, Iida, Hiroshi. 2014. Molecular cloning and subcellular localization of Tektin2-binding protein 1 (Ccdc 172) in rat spermatozoa. In The journal of histochemistry and cytochemistry : official journal of the Histochemistry Society, 62, 286-97. doi:10.1369/0022155413520607. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24394471/