Protein function and interaction

TEX101 gene encodes a GPI-anchored cell surface protein known as testis-expressed protein 101 or cell surface receptor NYD-SP8. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that NYD-SP8 binds to urokinase plasminogen activator receptor/urokinase plasminogen activator complexes and may be involved in extracellular matrix proteins degradation (Yin et al., 2008 PMID: 19017363). During the fertilization process the release of NYD-SP8 during sperm-egg interaction and its binding to the cumulus, the first layer of egg investment, elicits a cross-talk between the gametes and produces the calcium dependant release of progesterone, leading to the acrosome reaction (Yin et al., 2009 PMID: 19153666).