Prok2
Developmental stage
Expressed in mid-late pachytene spermatocytes at the stages VII, VIII and IX of the semiferous epithelial cycle.
Function
May function as an output molecule from the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) that transmits behavioral circadian rhythm. May also function locally within the SCN to synchronize output. Potently contracts gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle (By similarity).
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the AVIT (prokineticin) family.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in the SCN and among a few other discrete brain areas, including the islands of Calleja, media l preoptic area of the hypothalamus and the shell of the nucleus accumbens. Highly expressed in testis. In the SCN, expression subjected to high amplitude of circadian oscillation.
Cellular localization
- Secreted
Alternative names
Bv8, Prok2, Prokineticin-2, PK2, Protein Bv8 homolog