ZCWPW1

The protein encoded by ZCWPW1, officially named zinc finger CW-type and PWWP domain-containing protein 1, is a nuclear protein involved in epigenetic regulation. It contains conserved CW and PWWP domains, which mediate interactions with histone modifications, particularly trimethylated histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3), to regulate chromatin structure and gene expression.
ZCWPW1 plays a critical role in spermatogenesis by modulating meiotic recombination and DNA repair pathways. Dysregulation of ZCWPW1 is associated with male infertility, specifically non-obstructive azoospermia, due to impaired homologous chromosome pairing and crossover formation during meiosis. Limited research exists on its therapeutic targeting, with current studies focusing on understanding its molecular mechanisms in reproductive disorders.