ATP-dependent RNA helicase TDRD9 (Tdrd9)

ATP-binding RNA helicase which plays a central role during spermatogenesis by repressing transposable elements and preventing their mobilization, which is essential for the germline integrity (PubMed:20059948, PubMed:28633017). 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 governs the methylation and subsequent repression of transposons (PubMed:20059948, PubMed:28633017).

Acts downstream of piRNA biogenesis: exclusively required for transposon silencing in the nucleus, suggesting that it acts as a nuclear effector from the nucleus together with PIWIL4 (PubMed:28633017). .