DAZ Interacting Protein 1 (DZIP1)

DZIP1 was also expressed in undifferentiated embryonic stem cells. Expression of DZIPt1 was not detected in testis of men with Sertoli cell-only syndrome, which lack germ cells. Western blot analysis of human testis detected DZIP1 proteins of about 100 and 113 kD. Immunohistochemical analysis of fetal testis sections localized DZIP1 to the nucleus and cytoplasm of primordial germ cells, where it colocalized with DAZ and DAZL. In adult testis, DZIP1 localized to the nucleus of spermatogonia, with some cytoplasmic staining. DZIP1 protein was not detected in primary spermatocytes, but it was detected in more mature germ cells, where it was predominantly nuclear. A similar staining pattern was found in mouse embryonic stem cells and adult testis.