LY6K
LY6K (lymphocyte antigen 6 family member K, also known as CT97, HSJ001348 and FLJ35226) is a member of the LY6/PLAUR domain containing group. It is required for sperm migration into the oviduct and for male fertility, and it may also play a role in cell growth. Browse Assay Genie's current range of LY6K research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
LY6K is best understood through its role in reproduction. UniProt annotates the protein as required for sperm migration into the oviduct and for male fertility, acting by controlling the binding of sperm to the zona pellucida. The same annotation notes that LY6K may play a role in cell growth. NCBI Gene summarises the predicted functions in similar terms: involvement in sperm binding to the zona pellucida, and activity upstream of or within flagellated sperm motility.
The LY6K gene encodes lymphocyte antigen 6K, a protein of the LY6/PLAUR domain containing gene group according to HGNC. UniProt reports several subcellular locations: secreted, cytoplasm, cell membrane and membrane raft, as well as the acrosome, the secretory vesicle of the sperm head within the cytoplasmic vesicle compartment. NCBI Gene predicts localisation to the cell surface and plasma membrane, and activity in the acrosomal vesicle. Researchers studying the LY6K protein therefore often consider both its membrane-associated and its secreted forms.
The gene has gone by several names. HGNC lists the previous name lymphocyte antigen 6 complex, locus K, and the aliases HSJ001348, FLJ35226 and CT97. The mouse ortholog is Ly6k, which provides a route for studying the protein's function in fertility in vivo. Anyone searching for an LY6K antibody, LY6K ELISA kit or other reagent for this target should consider which localisation and species are relevant to their model.
LY6K is required for male fertility, making it a relevant target for studies of how sperm function is controlled.
The protein controls binding of sperm to the zona pellucida, a key step in fertilisation.
LY6K is needed for sperm migration into the oviduct, linking it to sperm transport in the female tract.
UniProt notes that LY6K may play a role in cell growth, supporting investigation beyond reproductive tissue.
LY6K is required for sperm migration into the oviduct and for male fertility, by controlling binding of sperm to the zona pellucida. UniProt also states that it may play a role in cell growth. NCBI Gene predicts a link to flagellated sperm motility.
HGNC lists the full name lymphocyte antigen 6 family member K and the previous name lymphocyte antigen 6 complex, locus K. Aliases include HSJ001348, FLJ35226 and CT97. UniProt names the protein lymphocyte antigen 6K.
The mouse ortholog is Ly6k, which is useful for functional studies of fertility. No rat ortholog is given in the data supplied. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other LY6/PLAUR domain containing proteins and lymphocyte antigen family members with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q17RY6; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.