Kallikreins are a subgroup of serine proteases having diverse physiological functions. Growing evidence suggests that many kallikreins are implicated in carcinogenesis and some have potential as novel cancer and other disease biomarkers. This gene is one of the fifteen kallikrein subfamily members l
ocated in a cluster on chromosome 19. Its expression is up-regulated by estrogens and progestins. The encoded protein is secreted and may be involved in desquamation in the epidermis. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding the same protein. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
The protein encoded by this gene is a Kazal-type serine protease inhibitor that appears to specifically target kallikrein-related peptidase 5 (KLK5) in the palmo-plantar epidermis. KLK5 is an important initiator of skin desq
uamation, so the encoded protease inhibitor may regulate skin differentiation in the palms of hands and soles of feet. This cationic protein has also been shown to promote keratinocyte migration by activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2015]