Anti-KLK7

This gene encodes a member of the kallikrein subfamily of serine proteases. These enzymes have diverse physiological functions and many kallikrein genes are biomarkers for cancer. The encoded protein has chymotrypsin-like activity and plays a role in the proteolysis of intercellular cohesive structures that precedes desquamation, the shedding of the outermost layer of the epidermis. The encoded protein may play a role in cancer invasion and metastasis, and increased expression of this gene is associated with unfavorable prognosis and progression of several types of cancer. Polymorphisms in this gene may play a role in the development of atopic dermatitis. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding multiple isoforms have been observed for this gene, which is one of fifteen kallikrein subfamily members located in a gene cluster on chromosome 19. Protein function: May catalyze the degradation of intercellular cohesive structures in the cornified layer of the skin in the continuous shedding of cells from the skin surface. Specific for amino acid residues with aromatic side chains in the P1 position. Cleaves insulin A chain at '14-Tyr-, -Gln-15' and insulin B chain at '6- Leu-, -Cys-7', '16-Tyr-, -Leu-17', '25-Phe-, -Tyr-26' and '26-Tyr-, - Thr-27'. Could play a role in the activation of precursors to inflammatory cytokines. [The UniProt Consortium]