Uteroglobin

Uteroglobin, was first described by Beier in 1966 as an uterine secretion product in rabbits.

Uteroglobin is also known as SCGB1A1 (secretoglobulin family 1A memeber 1) and is a member of the secretion globin family, small dimeric proteins found only in mammals.

The physiological role of uteroglobulins is not yet known. The mammaglobin, a glycoprotein with homology to the uteroglobilin family, is a marker for breast cancer. Further assumptions are: immunomodulation, influence on the fibronectin function.

Uteroglobulin knockout mice develop a good-pasture syndrome.

SCGB1A1 was identified molecularly as Fel d 1; Fel d 1 is the major allergen of the cat.

1. Grönlund H et al (2009) The major cat allergen, Fel d 1, in diagnosis and therapy. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 151:265-274.
2. Kaiser L et al (2007) Structural characterization of the tetrameric form of the major cat allergen Fel d 1 J Mol Biol 370:714-727.