[Advances in researches on epididymal WFDC-type serine protease inhibitors].
Sperm maturation in the epididymis is regulated by changes of luminal ion concentration and processing of sperm surface membrane by several glycosidases and proteases, and the actions of the proteases are controlled by protease inhibitors present in specific areas of the epididymis. WFDC-type serine protease inhibitors that are highly expressed in the epididymis play an important role in natural immunity and male reproduction. This paper gives an overview of the structure and function of the protein and its application prospects in the development of drugs for male reproductive tract infection and immunocontraception.
Liu
Juan
J
Shandong Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering/Central Laboratory, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, China. juan1202@126.com
Wang
Hai-Yan
HY
Li
Jian-Yuan
JY
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D030501:Epididymal Secretory Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004822:Epididymis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015842:Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D030501:Epididymal Secretory Proteins; D015842:Serine Proteinase Inhibitors