ASZ1 (Ankyrin, SAM, leucine Zipper), also known as GASZ (Germ cell-specific Ankyrin, SAM, leucine Zipper), is a potential protein-protein interaction domain []. Proteins containing this domain are involved in the repression of transposable elements during spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and preimplantation embryogenesis. They support synthesis of PIWI-interacting RNA via association with some PIWI proteins, such as MILI and MIWI. This association is required for initiation and maintenance of retrotransposon repression during the meiosis. In mice lacking ASZ1, DNA damage and delayed germ cell maturation was observed due to retrotransposons releasing from their repressed state [, ].
