The export of RNA from the cell nucleus is a key mechanism in the cell and during developmental stages. The pathway involving NTF2-related export protein 1 (NXT1) and nuclear RNA export factor 1 (NXF1) mediates bulk polyA mRNA through the nuclear pores.
Ferlins are a family of single transmembrane proteins with multiple calcium ion (Ca2+) binding C2 domains involved in Ca2+-mediated membrane fusion. Among other processes, ferlins participate in the acrosome reaction occurring before spermatozoa fuse with eggs. Mutations in ferlins have been shown to cause male infertility in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster.
Male infertility affects approximately 20% to 70% of infertile couples mostly due to decreased sperm count, sperm motility and/or morphological abnormalities.
