[5] This gene is a member of the sclerostin family and encodes Uterine sensitization-associated gene-1 (USAG-1), an N-glycosylated, secreted protein with a C-terminal, cystine, knot-like domain.

This protein functions as a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist.

Specifically, it directly associates with BMPs, prohibiting them from binding their receptors, thereby regulating BMP signaling during cellular proliferation, differentiation, and programmed cell death.

[5] Inhibition of USAG-1 is of interest as a potential means of stimulating tooth regeneration for dentistry.

This article on a gene on human chromosome 7 is a stub.