AZF1

AZF is an acronym for a region on the human male Y chromosome called the AZoospermia Factor. Characterization of this gene has been important in understanding male infertility. AZF1 is synonymous with AZFa, an older term. Possible alias terms include AZFA and SP3. AZF is the term provided by the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee.

AZF1
AZF1 (Azoospermia Factor 1) gene is likely located in the in the euchromatic part of the long arm in Yq11.23. AZF1 is 792kb long and just distal to the centromere of the Y chromosome.

AZF1 genes are likely involved in spermatogenesis in the testes. Mutations or deletions in the AZF genes may be a cause or contributing factor in male infertility.

AZF2
Originally, an AZFb and AZFc genes were identified and thought to be separate regions. They were later found to be overlapping and are now referred to as AZF2.