[3][4] This gene encodes a zinc finger-containing protein that may function as a transcription factor.

[5] During spermatogenesis, wrongful expression of either Zfy1 or Zfy2 results in programmed cell death, apoptosis, at the mid-pachytene checkpoint.

In mice, Zfy genes are necessary for meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI).

In Zfy knockout spermatocytes, sex chromosomes are incorrectly silenced.

[6] Disorders associated with the ZFY gene include campomelic dysplasia, cystadenofibroma, and Frasier syndrome.