Oviductal glycoprotein 1 (OVGP1)

Oviductal glycoprotein 1 (OVGP1) is a large, heavily glycosylated protein encoded by the OVGP1 gene, secreted primarily by non-ciliated epithelial cells lining the oviduct. It is a member of both the mucin and chitinase gene families, though the protein is an inactive chitinase. OVGP1 is estrogen-dependent and its secretion peaks during late follicular development and early embryo cleavage[1][2][4]. Functionally, OVGP1 binds to the zona pellucida of post-ovulatory oocytes and associates with sperm and early embryos, supporting key reproductive processes such as sperm capacitation, sperm–egg binding, prevention of polyspermy, and facilitating fertilization and pre-implantation embryo development[2][3][4]. Aberrant expression of OVGP1, including reduced levels in the endometrium, has been linked to recurrent implantation failure, and the protein is under investigation as a serum and tissue biomarker for certain ovarian cancers[4]. OVGP1’s activity depends on complex glycosylation patterns, which are species-specific and critical for protein solubility and function[3]. No drugs are known to directly interact with OVGP1, and its utility is currently limited to its roles in reproductive biology and as a potential biomarker[2][4].

Other names

Oviduct-specific glycoproteinOviductinMucin-9Estrogen-dependent oviduct proteinMUC9OGPCHIT5EGPOviductal glycoprotein, 120kDaOviduct glycoproteinOviductal glycoprotein 1Mucin 9