The roles of RNA-binding proteins in spermatogenesis and male infertility

RNA-binding proteins are essential for spermatogenesis: they are required i n the nucleus of germ cells, for the production of specific mRNA isoforms, and in the cytoplasm - where proteins required for chromatin condensation a nd for changes in cell morphology are translated long after transcription c eases. Some of the RNA targets and the RNA-binding proteins themselves have been identified recently. Both nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins are affect ed in examples of azoospermia in men.