Ovochymase-2 (OVCH2)

Ovochymase-2 (OVCH2) is an **epididymis-specific serine protease** required for male fertility, particularly for the maturation of sperm in mammals[1][3][5][6]. OVCH2 orchestrates crucial **proteolytic processing of sperm surface proteins**, notably ADAM3, essential for sperm fertilizing competence[5][6]. It contains distinctive CUB domains, but its **protease (serine endopeptidase) activity rather than CUB domains is critical for functional sperm maturation**[1][3]. OVCH2 is primarily active in the **proximal caput of the epididymis** and is key for enabling sperm motility and function; disruption of this protease leads to impaired sperm processing and infertility, as observed in knockout models[1][5][6][7]. Due to its indispensable role in sperm maturation but lack of broader systemic expression, OVCH2 is considered a promising **non-hormonal male contraceptive target** and a candidate for genetic screening in cases of idiopathic male infertility[1][5][3]. No drugs that directly target OVCH2 are currently known, but its restricted expression and essential reproductive function highlight its potential as both a target and a biomarker in andrology research[1][5][7].

Other names

Oviductin proteaseOviductinOVTNOvochymase 2OVCH2oviductin