Abstract: As located in AZF region of Y chromosome, CDY (chromodomain protein，Y-linked) gene has been regarded as one of the candidates of Y chromosome microdeletion related to dyszoospermia. Actually, CDY gene originated from the reverse transcription and transposition of autosomal CDYLs (CDY-like) mRNA. During the evolution, autosomal CDYLs acquired the diversity of protein function by acquisition of new exons. The function of CDYLs/CDY protein closely depends on its two domains, the chromo domain mediating the gene silence process by binding to the methylated histones and the crotonase domain which might be involved in spermatogenesis via its histone acetylase activity. Herein, the research progress about the CDYLs/CDY gene family was reviewed.

Key words: Infertility, male, Spermatozoa, Y chromosome, Sex chromosome aberrations, Dyszoospermia, CDY gene, CDYLs gene