This gene encodes a member of the C-type lysozyme/alpha-lactalbumin family. C-type lysozymes are bacteriolytic factors that play a role in host defense, whereas alpha-lactalbumins mediate lactose biosynthesis. The encoded protein contains catalytic residues characteristic of C-type lysozymes and may play a role in male reproduction. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been observed for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2011].