Human sperm associated antigen 4 (SPAG4) is a potential cancer marker.
Using a combination of database screening and polymerase chain reaction analyses we have determined the sequence and structure of the human sperm tail associated gene SPAG4. SPAG4 is a 12-exon gene spanning approximately 5.2 kb on chromosome 20q11.23. It is expressed in a limited number of normal tissues, notably the pancreas and testis, but is switched on and greatly upregulated in a wide range of neoplastic tissues. The data therefore strongly suggests that SPAG4 expression is a potential clinically relevant cancer marker.
Kennedy
Claire
C
Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development and The ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Monash University, 3168 Melbourne, Australia.
Sebire
Kim
K
de Kretser
David M
DM
O'Bryan
Moira K
MK
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D019295:Computational Biology; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics; D005091:Exons / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism*; D014018:Tissue Distribution / Q000235:genetics
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D018076:DNA, Complementary; C114799:SPAG4 protein, human