Structural highlights
Function
HYALP_HUMAN Involved in sperm-egg adhesion. Upon fertilization sperm must first penetrate a layer of cumulus cells that surrounds the egg before reaching the zona pellucida. The cumulus cells are embedded in a matrix containing hyaluronic acid which is formed prior to ovulation. This protein aids in penetrating the layer of cumulus cells by digesting hyaluronic acid.[1]
References
- ↑ Gmachl M, Sagan S, Ketter S, Kreil G. The human sperm protein PH-20 has hyaluronidase activity. FEBS Lett. 1993 Dec 28;336(3):545-8. PMID:8282124 doi:10.1016/0014-5793(93)80873-s
