InterPro domain: IPR037366

In humans, the DAZ gene family consists of DAZ on the Y chromosome and 2 autosomal members: DAZL (DAZ-like) and BOULE. Although the DAZ gene evolved relatively recently and is present only in primates, DAZL and BOULE are much more ancient and conserved. BOULE homologues are present throughout eumetazoan animals, from sea anemones to mammals, and DAZL homologues are present in bony fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals [ 1 ]. BOULE is highly expressed in the testis, whereas DAZL appears to be highly expressed in both the testis and the ovary [ 2 ].

DAZ family members are RNA binding proteins that play important roles in animal germ cell development [ 3 , 4 ]. They function as adaptors for target mRNA transport and activators of their translation. Deletion of the DAZ gene is the most common cause of infertility in humans [ 5 ].

1. Widespread presence of human BOULE homologs among animals and conservation of their ancient reproductive function. PLoS Genet. 6, e1001022
2. The roles of the DAZ family in spermatogenesis: More than just translation? Spermatogenesis 1, 36-46
3. Highly conserved epigenetic regulation of BOULE and DAZL is associated with human fertility. FASEB J. 30, 3424-3440
4. DAZ Family Proteins, Key Players for Germ Cell Development. Int. J. Biol. Sci. 11, 1226-35