Identification and characterization of a gene coding a novel isoform of DEAD-box protein

A gene coding a novel isoform of DEAD-box protein named testicular DEAD-box protein (tDbp), presumably involved in testicular function, was identified and characterized. Testicular DEAD-box protein was cloned from a human testis cDNA library. The cDNA microarray hybridization showed that it was expressed at a higher level in adult testis than in embryo testis. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction indicated that tDbp was specifically expressed in testis, but not in some other tissues.