The Drosophila homologue of tubulin-specific chaperone E-like protein is required for synchronous sperm individualization and normal male fertility.

The tubulin-specific chaperone E-like protein (TBCEL or E-like) of vertebrates shows sequence homology to TBCE, a component of the multimolecular complex required for tubulin heterodimer formation in all eukaryotic cells. TBCEL apparently serves more specific functions, as it is found only in animals. At the cellular level, TBCEL plays a role as a regulator of tubulin stability.

The expression profile of the tumor suppressor gene Lzts1 suggests a role in neuronal development.

Background: Neuronal circuit assembly comprises a number of developmental processes that ultimately underlie function. Identifying the molecular events that dictate these processes can give key insights into how neuronal circuit formation is coordinated. To begin to identify such molecular mechanisms, we have analysed the expression of a candidate gene of entirely unknown function within the nervous system.