Vitamin K-dependent protein S belongs to the family of clotting factors (e.g. Factors IX and X, and protein C). Unlike the other clotting factors, the C-terminal half (residues 250-634) of protein S is not a serine proteinase. In fact, the function of residues 250-634 of protein S is unknown. By using computer programs designed to detect evolutionary relationships between proteins, we find that this part of protein S is similar to rat androgen-binding protein, a protein produced and secreted by testicular Sertoli cells. The homology between protein S and androgen-binding protein suggests new approaches for elucidating their functions.
