Cytoplasm, cytosol . Nucleus . Chromosome . Does not localize to pi-bodies. Localizes to meiotic chromosome cores and regions of homologous chromosome synapsis (By similarity). .
Tissue Expression
Detected in all tissues examined, with higher expression in testis, heart, skeletal muscle, liver, and kidney.
Signaling_pathway
Research Areas
Function
Co-chaperone required during spermatogenesis to repress transposable elements and prevent their mobilization, which is essential for the germline integrity. Acts via the piRNA metabolic process, which mediates the repression of transposable elements during meiosis by forming complexes composed of piRNAs and Piwi proteins and govern the methylation and subsequent repression of transposons. Acts as a co-chaperone via its interaction with HSP90 and is required for the piRNA amplification process, the secondary piRNA biogenesis. May be required together with HSP90 in removal of 16 nucleotide ping-pong by-products from Piwi complexes, possibly facilitating turnover of Piwi complexes (By similarity).