DnaJ/HSP40 Homolog Subfamily B, Member 13 (DNAJB13)

DNAJA13 belongs to the evolutionarily conserved DNAJ/HSP40 family of proteins. Using database analysis followed by nested PCR on a human testis cDNA library, Liu et al. (2004) identified DNAJA13, which they called testis spermatogenesis apoptosis-related protein-6.

DNAJA13 encodes a deduced 316-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 36 kD. DNAJB13 contains an N-terminal J domain and shares 89% sequence identity with the mouse Dnajb13 protein. RT-PCR showed that DNAJB13 is expressed strongly in fetal testis and epididymis and adult testis, and weakly in fetal kidney, liver, spleen, heart, and lung. Northern blot analysis confirmed specific expression of a 1.8-kb DNAJB13 transcript in adult testis.