MAEL
Function
Plays a central role during spermatogenesis by repressing transposable elements and preventing their mobilization, which is essential for the germline integrity. Acts via the piRNA metabolic process, which mediates the repression of transposable elements during meiosis by forming complexes composed of piRNAs and Piwi proteins and governs the methylation and subsequent repression of transposons. Its association with piP-bodies suggests a participation in the secondary piRNAs metabolic process. Required for the localization of germ-cell factors to the meiotic nuage (By similarity).
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the maelstrom family.
Tissue Specificity
Testis-specific. Expressed in various cancer cell lines, probably due to demethylation of its promoter.
Cellular localization
- Cytoplasm
- Nucleus
- Component of the meiotic nuage, also named P granule, a germ-cell-specific organelle required to repress transposon activity during meiosis. Specifically localizes to piP-bodies, a subset of the nuage which contains secondary piRNAs (By similarity).
Alternative names
Protein maelstrom homolog, MAEL