This gene may play a role in testicular physiology, spermatogenesis or spermiogenesis. Expression of the encoded protein is highest in the testis and down-regulated in testicular cancer. The gene is localized to the region 19q13.3 among the related RAS viral oncogene homolog (RRAS) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) genes, which are both involved in tumorigenesis pathways and progression. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].
Hao, Jha, Kim, Vemuganti, Westbrook, Chertihin, Markgraf, Flickinger, Coppola, Herr, Visconti: "Expression analysis of the human testis-specific serine/threonine kinase (TSSK) homologues. A TSSK member is present in the equatorial segment of human sperm." in: Molecular human reproduction, Vol. 10, Issue 6, pp. 433-44, (2004) (PubMed).
Scorilas, Yousef, Jung, Rajpert-De Meyts, Carsten, Diamandis: "Identification and characterization of a novel human testis-specific kinase substrate gene which is downregulated in testicular tumors." in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications, Vol. 285, Issue 2, pp. 400-8, (2001) (PubMed).