This gene belongs to the glutathione peroxidase family. It is specifically expressed in the epididymis in the mammalian male reproductive tract, and is androgen-regulated. Unlike several other characterized glutathione peroxidases, this enzyme is not a selenoprotein, lacking the selenocysteine residue. Thus, it is selenium-independent, and has been proposed to play a role in protecting the membranes of spermatozoa from the damaging effects of lipid peroxidation and/or preventing premature acrosome reaction. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found for this gene.