SPATA18, also known as SPETEX-1, was initially identified as a cytoplasmic protein of elongate spermatids that is thought to be involved in differentiation process of elongate spermatids to mature spermatozoa. Recent experiments have shown that SPATA18 is a transcriptional target of p53 and p63. It has also been suggested to play a role in mitochondria quality control by inducing intramitochondrial lysosome-like organella that eliminate oxidized mitochondrial proteins.Synonyms: FLJ32906, Spermatogenesis-associated protein 18