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Background
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Kallikreins are a subgroup of serine proteases, enzymes capable of cleaving peptide bonds in proteins. In humans, tissue kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) encode a family of fifteen closely related serine proteases. Kallikreins are responsible for the co-ordination of various physiological functions including blood pressure, semen liquefaction and skin desquamation. Serine protease which exhibits a preference for Arg over Lys in the substrate P1 position and for Ser or Pro in the P2 position. Shows activity against amyloid precursor protein, myelin basic protein, gelatin, casein and extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin, laminin, vitronectin and collagen. Kallikrein-6 (KLK6) is also known as Bssp, Klk7, MGC9355, PRSS18, PRSS9, SP59 and hK6. KLK6 is one of the fifteen kallikrein subfamily members, and is regulated by steroid hormones. In tissue culture, KLK6 has been found to generate amyloidogenic fragments from the amyloid precursor protein, suggesting a potential for involvement in Alzheimer's disease. The prior studies indicate KLK6 is elevated at sites of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation and which shows regulated expression with T cell activation. Notably, KLK6 is also elevated in the serum of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. KLK6 promotes lymphocyte survival by a mechanism that depends in part on activation of PAR1. KLK6 are also associated with neuronal plasticity in the central nervous system.
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