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Randal C. Jaffe

Reproductions importance is obvious but our understanding of the process is far from complete. My laboratory is currently studying the proteins secreted by the Fallopian tubes and uterus and the role they play in sperm migration, fertilization and blastocyst implantation. We have been particularly interested in an oviductal glycoprotein which is produced by the secretory cells during the late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. The expression of the mRNA for this protein is restricted to the oviduct and is estrogen dependent. Homologous oviductal glycoproteins have been found in a number of other mammals. The structure of the encoded protein is strikingly similar to the chitinase protein family but does not have chitinase activity. It is intriguing, but of unknown significance, that the greatest homology is in the first 10 exons. The region coded by the 11th exon exhibits the greatest variation within mammalian species and has little homology to chitinases. Current studies focus on the production of the recombinant protein so that its function in reproduction can be determined and understanding the factors involved in the tissue and hormone specific expression. Understanding this proteins functions may lead to new methods of fertility control.

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