DAZL, or Deleted in Azoospermia-Like, is an RNA-binding protein that plays a critical role in germ cell development and maturation. It is highly expressed in primordial germ cells (PGCs) and is essential for their proper development and function. DAZL has been shown to regulate gene expression at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. It interacts with specific sequences in the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNAs, thereby influencing their stability, translation, and ultimately, their contribution to the germ cell's proteome. Recent research has uncovered additional layers of DAZL's functionality. It can also bind to microRNA (miRNA) precursors and enhance the processing activity of Dicer, an enzyme crucial for miRNA maturation. This discovery expands the known mechanisms by which DAZL can modulate gene expression and suggests that it may have a broader role in regulating cellular processes than previously understood.
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