background:
The cystatin superfamily encompasses proteins that contain multiple cystatin-like sequences. Some of the members are active cysteine protease inhibitors, while others have lost or perhaps never acquired this inhibitory activity. There are three inhibitory families in the superfamily, including the type 1 cystatins (stefins), type 2 cystatins and the kininogens. The type 2 cystatin proteins are a class of cysteine proteinase inhibitors found in a variety of human fluids and secretions. The cystatin locus on chromosome 20 contains the majority of the type 2 cystatin genes and pseudogenes. This gene is located in the cystatin locus and encodes an epididymal-specific protein whose specific function has not been determined. Alternative splicing yields two variants encoding distinct isoforms. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Function:
Has antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative bacteria E.coli. May play a role in sperm maturation and fertilization.
Subcellular Location:
Nucleus. Cytoplasm. Nuclear and cytoplasmic in the epididymis. Localized to the postacrosomal and tail regions of sperm. Probably localized to the outer surface of sperm.
Tissue Specificity:
Detected in the epithelium and lumen of the epididymis, and in sperm (at protein level).
Similarity:
Belongs to the cystatin family.
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 140176 Human
Omim: 609731 Human
SwissProt: Q9H112 Human
Unigene: 128100 Human
Important Note:
This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications.
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