Essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility (By similarity). May play an important role in sperm head and tail formation (By similarity). May act as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting cell proliferation. Interacts with alpha- and beta-tubulin (PubMed:33144677). Interacts with BBS2, BBS4, BBS5, MKKS, TCP1, CCT2, CCT3, CCT4, CCT5 and CCT7 (PubMed:33144677). At least six differentially spliced products may exist. Expressed in all tissues examined. Expression is highest in prostate and testis. DLEC1 silencing due to promoter methylation and aberrant transcription are implicated in the development of different cancers, including esophageal (ESCR), renal and lung cancers (LNCR). The gene represented in this entry may be involved in disease pathogenesis. DLEC1 silencing due to promoter methylation and aberrant transcription are implicated in the development of lung cancer. The gene represented in this entry may be involved in disease pathogenesis. DLEC1 silencing due to promoter methylation and aberrant transcription may be implicated in the development of esophageal cancer. Levels of this splice isoform may be increased in cancer cell lines and primary cancers. Levels of this splice isoform are increased in cancer cell lines and primary cancers. Intron retention. Truncated N-terminus.