Enables metalloendopeptidase inhibitor activity. Involved in binding activity of sperm to zona pellucida and negative regulation of endopeptidase activity. Predicted to be located in extracellular space. Predicted to be active in extracellular region. Is expressed in several structures, including genitourinary system; jaw bone; liver; muscle tissue; and olfactory epithelium. Orthologous to human FETUB (fetuin B).
MGI Description
PHENOTYPE: Mice homozygous for a knock-out allele exhibit female infertility due to premature hardening of the zona pellucida. [provided by MGI curators]