NYD-SP12, also known as SPATA16, is a germ-cell specific participant in the Golgi apparatus, and its expression is confined to spermatogenic epithelium, not being found in interstitial cells [1]. Computer analysis of the protein-sequence showed that NYD-SP12 contains a cluster of phosphorylation sites for protein kinase C as well as for cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinases [2,3]. It is postulated that since the mutation of some Golgi apparatus' proteins are responsible for male infertility that NYD-SP12 might play a role in modification and sorting of acrosomal enzymes [3]. OMIM:102530.

1: Identification and characterization of a novel human testis-specific Golgi protein, NYD-SP12. Xu M, Xiao J, Chen J, Li J, Yin L, Zhu H, Zhou Z, Sha J; Mol Hum Reprod. 2003;9:9-17. PMID:12529416

2: Rapid evolution, genetic variations, and functional association of the human spermatogenesis-related gene NYD-SP12. Zhang Q, Zhang F, Chen XH, Wang YQ, Wang WQ, Lin AA, Cavalli-Sforza LL, Jin L, Huo R, Sha JH, Li Z, Su B; J Mol Evol. 2007;65:154-161. PMID:17665087

3: Homozygous mutation in SPATA16 is associated with male infertility in human globozoospermia. Dam AH, Koscinski I, Kremer JA, Moutou C, Jaeger AS, Oudakker AR, Tournaye H, Charlet N, Lagier-Tourenne C, van Bokhoven H, Viville S; Am J Hum Genet. 2007;81:813-820. PMID:17847006

4: Ca(2+)-modulated membrane guanylate cyclase in the testes. Jankowska A, Warchol JB; Mol Cell Biochem. 2010;334:169-179. PMID:19915996