NCBI Summary:
The protein encoded by this gene belongs to a series of ectoenzymes that are involved in hydrolysis of extracellular nucleotides. These ectoenzymes possess ATPase and ATP pyrophosphatase activities and are type II transmembrane proteins. Expression of the related rat mRNA has been found in a subset of immature glial cells and in the alimentary tract. The corresponding rat protein has been detected in the pancreas, small intestine, colon, and liver. The human mRNA is expressed in glioma cells, prostate, and uterus. Expression of the human protein has been detected in uterus, basophils, and mast cells. Two transcript variants, one protein coding and the other non-protein coding, have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2015]
General function
Enzyme
Comment
Cellular localization
Secreted
Comment
Ovarian function
Ovulation
Comment
Expression regulated by
LH
Comment
Strap regulates early follicle development in the mouse ovary. Sharum IB et al. (2016) The molecular mechanisms involved in regulating the development of small, gonadotrophin-independent follicles are poorly understood; however, many studies have highlighted an essential role for TGFB ligands. Canonical TGFB signalling is dependent upon intracellular Smad proteins that regulate transcription. Strap has been identified in other tissues as an inhibitor of the TGFB-Smad signalling pathway. Therefore, in this study we aimed to determine the expression and role of Strap in the context of early follicle development. Using qPCR, Strap, Smad3 and Smad7 revealed similar expression profiles in immature ovaries from mice aged 4-16 days containing different populations of early growing follicles. Strap and Smad2/3 proteins co-localised in granulosa cells of small follicles using immunofluorescence. Using an established culture model, neonatal mouse ovary fragments with a high density of small non-growing follicles were used to examine the effects of Strap knock down using siRNA and Strap protein inhibition by immuno-neutralisation. Both interventions caused a reduction in the proportion of small, non-growing follicles and an increase in the proportion and size of growing follicles in comparison to untreated controls, suggesting inhibition of Strap facilitates follicle activation. Recombinant Strap protein had no effect on small, non-growing follicles, but increased the mean oocyte size of growing follicles in the neonatal ovary model and also promoted the growth of isolated preantral follicles in vitro. Overall findings indicate Strap is expressed in the mouse ovary and is capable of regulating development of small follicles in a stage-dependent manner.//////////////////