BTB/POZ domain-containing protein 18 (BTBD18)

Especially required during spermatogenesis to promote expression of piRNA precursors. The piRNA metabolic process mediates the repression of transposable elements during meiosis by forming complexes composed of piRNAs and Piwi proteins and governs the methylation and subsequent repression of transposons, which is vital for the germline integrity.

Acts by facilitating transcription elongation in piRNA loci during pachytene. .