Enzymes
Product List
KLK2 Human
Kallikrein-2 Human Recombinant
Introduction
Kallikreins are a subgroup of serine proteases, enzymes capable of cleaving peptide bonds in proteins. In humans, they are classified into two main types: plasma kallikrein and tissue kallikreins. Plasma kallikrein is encoded by the KLKB1 gene and has no known paralogue, while tissue kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) encode a family of fifteen closely related serine proteases . These genes are localized to chromosome 19q13, forming the largest contiguous cluster of proteases within the human genome .
Key Biological Properties: Kallikreins are involved in various physiological functions, including blood pressure regulation, semen liquefaction, and skin desquamation .
Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: Kallikreins are expressed in many tissues, including the prostate, breast, ovary, and testis . They are also found in biological fluids such as seminal plasma, breast milk, and cerebrospinal fluid . Some kallikreins have restricted expression patterns, while others are widely distributed across different tissues .
Primary Biological Functions: Kallikreins play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, semen liquefaction, and skin desquamation . They are also involved in the activation of inflammation and the regulation of electrolyte balance .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: Kallikreins are implicated in immune responses by activating kinins, which are peptides responsible for inflammation and vasodilation . They also play a role in pathogen recognition by modulating the activity of immune cells .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Kallikreins interact with various molecules and cells through proteolytic cascades. For example, plasma kallikrein liberates kinins from kininogens, which regulate blood pressure and inflammation .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: Kallikreins bind to kininogens to release kinins, which then activate B1 and B2 receptors, leading to downstream signaling cascades that regulate blood pressure, inflammation, and other physiological processes .
Regulatory Mechanisms Controlling Expression and Activity: Kallikrein expression is regulated by steroid hormones such as androgens, estrogens, and glucocorticoids . Their activity is controlled through zymogen activation, endogenous inhibitors like serpins, and internal (auto)cleavage leading to inactivation .
Transcriptional Regulation and Post-Translational Modifications: Kallikreins undergo transcriptional regulation by steroid hormones and post-translational modifications such as glycosylation, which affect their stability and activity .
Biomedical Research: Kallikreins are studied for their role in various physiological and pathological processes, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders .
Diagnostic Tools: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA; KLK3) and human glandular kallikrein (hK2) are used as tumor markers for prostate cancer . Other kallikreins are emerging as biomarkers for ovarian and breast cancers .
Therapeutic Strategies: Kallikrein inhibitors are being developed for the treatment of hereditary angioedema and other inflammatory conditions . Recombinant tissue kallikrein is also being explored for therapeutic use in ischemic stroke and renal disease .
Role Throughout the Life Cycle: Kallikreins play a role in various stages of life, from development to aging and disease. They are involved in skin desquamation, seminal clot liquefaction, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases . Dysregulated kallikrein expression is associated with cancer progression and other age-related diseases .
