Pregnancy-related enzyme activity

摘要

This invention relates to the role of the enzyme proprotein convertase 5/6 in pregnancy, and in particular to the detection or modulation of proprotein convertase 5/6 and its isoforms in the uterus. This enzyme is useful in the control of fertility, the monitoring of early pregnancy, and for the detection of uterine receptivity. The invention also relates to methods of screening for compounds which have the ability to modulate the activity or expression of proprotein convertase 5/6, which may be useful in regulating fertility in mammals. Novel forms of proprotein convertase 5/6 are also disclosed and claimed.