As a member of the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC), plays an essential role for zygotes to progress beyond the first embryonic cell divisions via regulation of actin dynamics (By similarity). Required for the formation of F-actin cytoplasmic lattices (CPL) in oocytes, which in turn are responsible for symmetric division of zygotes via the regulation of mitotic spindle formation and positioning (By similarity). Required for the localization of cortical granules to the cortex of oocytes, via association with the cortical actin scaffold (By similarity). Required for cortical actin clearance prior to oocyte exocytosis (By similarity). Involved in regulating post-fertilization Ca(2+) release and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) storage via regulation of ER localization (By similarity). May be involved in the localization of mitochondria to the cytoplasm and perinuclear region in oocytes and early stage embryos, independent of its role in CPL formation (By similarity). Component of the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC), at least composed of NLRP5, KHDC3, OOEP, and TLE6 isoform 1 (PubMed:25542835). Within the complex, interacts with OOEP, KHDC3L and TLE6 (PubMed:25542835). The SCMC may facilitate translocation of its components between the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments (PubMed:25542835). As part of the SCMC interacts with the SCMC-associated protein ZBED3 (By similarity). As part of the SCMC interacts with the SCMC-associated protein CFL1/Cofilin-1 (By similarity). Interacts with PRKCE (PubMed:19542546). Interacts with TUBB3 at cytoskeleton microtubules (PubMed:24374158). Expressed in cumulus cells (at protein level) (PubMed:19542546). Highly abundant in oocytes and early embryos, however poorly expressed in somatic tissues such as the liver and spinal cord (PubMed:11925379, PubMed:30877238). Expressed at all stages during oocyte maturation, additionally expressed in granulosa cells and cumulus oophorus cells (PubMed:19192343). Expressed primarily with other SCMC components in the subcortex of oocytes and early embryos (PubMed:25542835). Expression is excluded from cell-cell contact regions after the 2-cell stage (PubMed:25542835). Phosphorylated by PRKCE. NLRP5 variants have been found in a spectrum of phenotypes characterized by aberrant methylation of multiple imprinted loci, a condition known as multi-locus imprinting defect or multi-locus imprinting disturbance (MLID). MLID-related phenotype spectrum ranges from intrauterine death to different types of imprinting disorders, including Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS), and non-specific developmental and behavioral manifestations. MLID has also been observed in individuals without overt clinical manifestations. Recurrent pregnancy loss has been reported in healthy women carrying NLRP5 variants. Belongs to the NLRP family.