Protease, Serine 35 (PRSS35)

Proteolytic degradation of extracellular matrix components has been suggested to play an essential role for the occurrence of ovulation. The plasminogen activator and matrix metalloproteinase systems, which were previously believed to be crucial for ovulation, are not required in this process.

PRSS35, which was upregulated by gonadotropins. PRSS23 was highly expressed in atretic follicles and it was expressed in the ovarian stroma and theca tissues just prior to ovulation. PRSS35 was expressed in the theca layers of developing follicles. It was also highly induced in granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles. PRSS35 was also expressed in the forming and regressing CL. PRSS35 may be involved in ovulation and CL formation and regression, and that PRSS23 may play a role in follicular atresia.