Putative ATP-dependent RNA helicase TDRD12 (Tdrd12)

Probable ATP-binding RNA helicase required during spermatogenesis to repress transposable elements and preventing their mobilization, which is vital for the germline integrity. Acts through the piRNA metabolic process, which mediates the repression of transposable elements during meiosis by forming complexes composed of piRNAs and Piwi proteins and modulates the methylation and subsequent repression of transposons (PubMed:24067652).

Involved in the secondary piRNAs metabolic process (PubMed:24067652). Acts through the PET complex, a multiprotein complex required through the secondary piRNAs metabolic process for the PIWIL2 slicing-triggered loading of PIWIL4 piRNAs (PubMed:26669262).