Nlrp5

NLRPs (acronym for "NIGHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein) are, together with the NOD1 and NOD2 proteins, members of the NLR (Nod-like Receptor) protein family and play a major role in innate immunity as pathogen recognition receptors (PPRs). Like the NOD proteins, NLRPs are expressed exclusively cytoplasmically. All NLRPs (they all contain a pyrin domain) are encoded by a common gene family in humans. NLRPs are characterised by their ability to activate different inflammatory complexes.

NLRP5, NIGHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 5 also known as NALP5 is a cytosolic protein encoded in humans by the NLRP5 gene located on chromosome 19: 56 - 56.06. The NLRP5 gene is highly conserved in mammals.

NLRP5 plays a role in early embryogenesis in humans. Its exact function is still unknown. NLRP5 mutations lead to disorders in the early zygotic developmental phase.

In the mouse, the gene is called a "reproduction-related gene". In other animals mutations lead to female infertility.

1. Docherty LE et al (2015) Mutations in NLRP5 are associated with reproductive wastage and multilocus imprinting disorders in humans. Nat Commun 6:8086.
2. Duéñez-Guzmán EA et al.(2014) The evolution of reproduction-related NLRP genes. J Mol Evol 78(3-4):194-201.
3. Wu X (2009) Maternal depletion of NLRP5 blocks early embryogenesis in rhesus macaque monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Hum reprod 24(2):415-424.