calpain11

Calpain 11, also known as CAPN11, is a protein-coding gene found in humans and other mammals. It belongs to the calpain superfamily of cysteine proteases, which are calcium-dependent proteases. Calpains play critical roles in a wide variety of cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and programmed cell death.

The specific function of calpain 11 is not fully understood, but research suggests it is involved in regulating sperm motility and acrosome formation. The acrosome is a cap-like structure on the head of a sperm cell that contains enzymes essential for penetrating the egg during fertilization. Mutations or altered expression of calpain 11 have been linked to male infertility in some studies.

Calpain 11 is expressed primarily in the testes. Its activity is regulated by calcium ion concentration, meaning it only becomes active when calcium levels rise within the cell. This calcium dependency is a hallmark of the calpain family and allows for precise control over their proteolytic actions. Further research is ongoing to fully elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms and physiological roles of calpain 11 in both normal cellular function and disease states.