SPEF2

Sperm flagellar protein 2 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the SPEF2 is_associated_with::gene.

SPEF2 plays an important role in is_associated_with::spermatogenesis and flagellar assembly. SPEF2 is expressed in all ciliated cells and is required for is_associated_with::cilia function. Sperm contain cilia, and a is_associated_with::mutation in the SPEF2 gene can cause is_associated_with::male infertility due to immobile is_associated_with::sperm. In a pig animal model, a SPEF2 mutation affects the sperm tail development. And a loss of function mutation in SPEF2 in mice causes the big giant head phenotype. SPEF2 is_associated_with::mRNA and protein products are localized in germ and is_associated_with::sertoli cells. Within these cells, SPEF2 is localized in the is_associated_with::golgi complex, manchette, is_associated_with::basal body and mid piece of the sperm tail. SPEF2 has been shown to interact with the intracellular transport protein is_associated_with::IFT20 in the testis.