TSSK2 Human
Description
TSSK2 is fused to a 23 amino acid His-tag at N-terminus & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Testis Specific Serine Kinase 2 (TSSK2) is a member of the serine/threonine kinase family, which is highly expressed in the testis. This kinase plays a crucial role in the differentiation and function of sperm cells. TSSK2 is part of a larger family of testis-specific serine kinases (TSSKs), which are known to be involved in various signaling events associated with sperm development and function .
TSSK2 is predominantly expressed postmeiotically in the testis, meaning its expression occurs after the meiotic division of germ cells. This kinase has been detected in both mouse and human sperm, as well as in germ cells from the testis . The expression of TSSK2 is almost exclusively limited to the testis, making it a potential target for non-hormonal male contraceptives .
The functional relevance of TSSK2 and other members of the TSSK family lies in their role in sperm differentiation and function. Phosphorylation by protein kinases, such as TSSK2, forms the basis of intracellular signaling networks, including the transduction of extracellular signals, intracellular transport, and cell cycle progression . These signaling events are crucial for the proper differentiation of sperm cells and their subsequent function in fertilization.
Recombinant TSSK2 refers to the artificially synthesized version of the protein, which is used for various research and therapeutic purposes. Recombinant TSSK2 has been cloned and expressed in vitro, allowing researchers to study its enzymatic activity and interactions with other proteins . For instance, recombinant TSSK2 has been shown to interact with and phosphorylate TSKS (Testis Specific Kinase Substrate) in vitro .
The unique characteristics of TSSK2 make it a promising target for the development of non-hormonal male contraceptives. The sterile phenotypes observed in TSSK2 knockout mice suggest that inhibiting this kinase could lead to male infertility without affecting other physiological processes . This makes TSSK2 an attractive candidate for the development of selective male contraceptive compounds with minimal side effects.
