SPAM1 Human Cellexp Recombinant Protein

Hyaluronidase degrades hyaluronic acid, a major structural proteoglycan found in extracellular matrices and basement membranes. Six members of the hyaluronidase family are clustered into two tightly linked groups on chromosome 3p21.3 and 7q31.3. This gene was previously referred to as HYAL1 and HYA1 and has since been assigned the official symbol SPAM1; another family member on chromosome 3p21.3 has been assigned HYAL1. This gene encodes a GPI-anchored enzyme located on the human sperm surface and inner acrosomal membrane. This multifunctional protein is a hyaluronidase that enables sperm to penetrate through the hyaluronic acid-rich cumulus cell layer surrounding the oocyte, a receptor that plays a role in hyaluronic acid induced cell signaling, and a receptor that is involved in sperm-zona pellucida adhesion. Abnormal expression of this gene in tumors has implicated this protein in degradation of basement membranes leading to tumor invasion and metastasis. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2010]

SPAM1: 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. Belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase 56 family. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: EC 3.2.1.35; Cell surface; Hydrolase; Membrane protein, GPI anchor; Glycan Metabolism - glycosaminoglycan degradation

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 7q31.3

Cellular Component: plasma membrane

Molecular Function: hyalurononglucosaminidase activity

Biological Process: sperm-egg recognition; fusion of sperm to egg plasma membrane; binding of sperm to zona pellucida; single fertilization; carbohydrate metabolic process; cell adhesion; multicellular organism reproduction