Anti-PAEP

This gene is a member of the kernel lipocalin superfamily whose members share relatively low sequence similarity but have highly conserved exon/intron structure and three-dimensional protein folding. Most lipocalins are clustered on the long arm of chromosome 9. The encoded glycoprotein has been previously referred to as pregnancy-associated endometrial alpha-2-globulin, placental protein 14, and glycodelin, but has been officially named progestagen-associated endometrial protein. Three distinct forms, with identical protein backbones but different glycosylation profiles, are found in amniotic fluid, follicular fluid and seminal plasma of the reproductive system. These glycoproteins have distinct and essential roles in regulating a uterine environment suitable for pregnancy and in the timing and occurrence of the appropriate sequence of events in the fertilization process. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. Protein function: Glycoprotein that regulates critical steps during fertilization and also has immunomonomodulatory effects. Four glycoforms, namely glycodelin-S, -A, -F and -C have been identified in reproductive tissues that differ in glycosylation and biological activity. Glycodelin-A has contraceptive and immunosuppressive activities (PubMed:9918684, PubMed:7531163). Glycodelin-C stimulates binding of spermatozoa to the zona pellucida (PubMed:17192260). Glycodelin-F inhibits spermatozoa-zona pellucida binding and significantly suppresses progesterone-induced acrosome reaction of spermatozoa (PubMed:12672671). Glycodelin-S in seminal plasma maintains the uncapacitated state of human spermatozoa (PubMed:15883155). [The UniProt Consortium]