Transcription factor that plays a key role in male sex determination and differentiation by controlling testis development and male germ cell proliferation. Plays a central role in spermatogonia by inhibiting meiosis in undifferentiated spermatogonia and promoting mitosis, leading to spermatogonial development and allowing abundant and continuous production of sperm. Acts both as a transcription repressor and activator: prevents meiosis by restricting retinoic acid (RA)-dependent transcription and repressing STRA8 expression and promotes spermatogonial development by activating spermatogonial differentiation genes, such as SOHLH1. Also plays a key role in postnatal sex maintenance by maintaining testis determination and preventing feminization: represses transcription of female promoting genes such as FOXL2 and activates male-specific genes. May act as a tumor suppressor. May also play a minor role in oogenesis (By similarity). Testis-specific. Expressed in prostate cancer (at protein level). Expressed in the genital ridges of six-week-old male embryos. Becomes confined to the forming seminiferous tubules (probably Sertoli cells) at seven weeks. Not detected in female embryos. The disease may be caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. The disease may be caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the DMRT family.