Spermatogenesis-associated protein 6 (Spata6) is required for the formation of the two major structures of the sperm connecting piece, the segmented columns and the capitulum. The sperm connecting piece is essential for linking the flagellum to the head during spermatogenesis and the absence of this protein leads to acephalic spermatozoa and sterility [, ]. It may be involved in myosin-based microfilament transport through interaction with myosin subunits [].
This entry includes Spermatogenesis-associated protein 6 (SPATA6) and SPATA6-like proteins. SPATA6 has similarity with the motor domain of kinesin related proteins and the Caenorhabditis elegans neural calcium sensor protein (NCS-2) []. It plays a role in linking the developing flagellum to the head during late spermiogenesis by being involved in the formation of the segmented columns and the capitulum, two major structures of the sperm connecting piece []. The function of SPATA6L is not clear.
This domain is found in the spermatogenesis associated protein 6 (Spata6) from eukaryotes, and is approximately 140 amino acids in length. Spata6 has similarity with the motor domain of kinesin related proteins and the Caenorhabditis elegans neural calcium sensor protein (NCS-2) [].
