Effector sites in the three-dimensional structure of mammalian sperm beta-acrosin.
Tranter, R., Read, J.A., Jones, R., Brady, R.L.(2000) Structure 8: 1179-1188
- PubMed: 11080640 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0969-2126(00)00523-2
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
1FIW, 1FIZ - PubMed Abstract: 
Proacrosin is a serine protease found specifically within the acrosomal vesicle of all mammalian spermatozoa. During fertilization proacrosin autoactivates to form beta-acrosin, in which there is a "light" chain cross-linked to a "heavy" chain by two disulphide bonds. beta-acrosin is thought to be multifunctional with roles in acrosomal exocytosis, as a receptor for zona pellucida proteins, and as a protease to facilitate penetration of spermatozoa into the egg.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Department of Biochemistry University of Bristol BS8 1TD, Bristol, United Kingdom.