Description
PTGDS, also known as L-PGDS, belongs to the calycin superfamily, lipocalin family. Lipocalins share limited regions of sequence homology and a common tertiary structure architecture. They transport small hydrophobic molecules such as steroids, bilins, retinoids, and lipids. PTGDS is a glutathione-independent prostaglandin D synthase that catalyzes the conversion of PGH2 to PGD2. It is involved in smooth muscle contraction/relaxation and a variety of central nervous system functions. PTGDS may have an anti-apoptotic role in oligodendrocytes. It binds small non-substrate lipophilic molecules, including biliverdin, bilirubin, retinal, retinoic acid and thyroid hormone, and may act as a scavenger for harmful hydrophopic molecules and as a secretory retinoid and thyroid hormone transporter. It is likely to play important roles in both maturation and maintenance of the central nervous system and male reproductive system.