Testis-expressed protein 14 is a protein in humans encoded by the TEX14 gene, and is 1497 amino acids in length.[5] TEX14 plays a vital role in the formation of germ cells, as it is an essential component of the mammalian germ cell interphase bridge.[6]
An orthologue of TEX14 exists in other mammals, also called TEX14.
Function
During cell division, specifically in telophase, the spindle is converted into a midbody. This midbody contains a ring of TEX14, which gradually travels outwards as cell division progresses. Finally, TEX14 marks the ends of the intercellular bridge.[7]
Clinical significance
Male mice and male pigs that lack normal TEX14 are incapable of producing functional sperm, and thus are infertile.[6][8] However, TEX14-knockout female mice are not infertile.[9]
