Azoospermia factor [SEP] found in taxon
Azoospermia factor
Azoospermia factor (AZF) refers to one of several proteins or their genes, which are coded from the AZF region on the human male Y chromosome. Deletions in this region are associated with inability to produce sperm. Subregions within the AZF region are AZFa (sometimes AZF1), AZFb and AZFc (together referred to as AZF2). AZF is the term used by the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee.
AZF1.
The AZF1 ("Azoospermia Factor 1") gene is likely located in the euchromatic part
men than in fertile controls and the correlation found may still go up as improved genetic testing techniques for the Y chromosome are developed.
Much study has been focused upon the "azoospermia factor locus" (AZF), at Yq11. A specific partial deletion of AZFc called "gr/gr deletion" is significantly associated with male infertility among Caucasians in Europe and the Western Pacific region.
Additional genes associated with spermatogenesis in men and reduced fertility upon Y chromosome deletions include RBM, DAZ, SPGY, and TSPY.