Recombinant Human ZAN protein (GST tag N-Terminus)

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ZAN also known as Zonadhesin is a sperm-specific protein involved in the binding of sperm to the egg's zona pellucida. It has a molecular mass of approximately 280 kDa. Zonadhesin's expression is primarily detected in the testis particularly in spermatogenic cells. This protein plays an essential role during fertilization by mediating the initial adherence of sperm to the egg surface which is an important step in the fertilization process.

Biological function summary

This protein enables the gamete interaction necessary for successful reproduction. Zonadhesin functions by recognizing and binding to specific glycoproteins on the egg's zona pellucida. This interaction facilitates the penetration process allowing the sperm to deliver its genetic material into the egg. Zonadhesin operates alone and doesn’t join any known protein complex highlighting its autonomous action in gamete recognition.

Pathways

Zonadhesin's role in sperm-egg recognition directly implicates it in reproductive pathways particularly the acrosome reaction pathway which prepares the sperm for binding and penetrating the egg. It works in conjunction with acrosomal enzymes like acrosin which further facilitate the penetration of the zona pellucida. Zonadhesin's function in this pathway ensures that the sperm can navigate the zona pellucida barrier and engage in fertilization.

Abnormalities in Zonadhesin expression or function may lead to fertility issues such as sperm incapacitation or male infertility. Dysfunction in this protein can disrupt sperm-zona pellucida interaction making successful fertilization challenging. In cases of infertility related to Zonadhesin there may be interest in the protein sperm antigen 17 (SP17) as it also plays a part in reproductive processes and imbalances or dysfunctions in either protein can contribute to reproductive disorders.