Kallikrein-15 (KLK15) is a member of the kallikrein family, which consists of 15 serine proteases encoded by genes located in tandem on chromosome 19q13.4 . These enzymes are involved in various physiological processes, including blood pressure regulation, inflammation, and tissue remodeling . KLK15, in particular, has garnered interest due to its potential role as a biomarker for certain cancers, especially prostate cancer .
The KLK15 gene encodes the human kallikrein-15 protein (hK15), which is synthesized as a pre-proenzyme. Upon release from the secretory pathway, it is cleaved to become a proenzyme and further processed by other proteases to become an active enzyme . The active form of hK15 exhibits trypsin-like activity, which is characteristic of many kallikreins .
KLK15 is expressed in various tissues, with high expression levels observed in the prostate . It is also found in lower concentrations in other tissues, including the skin, salivary gland, and breast . The expression patterns of KLK15 suggest its involvement in tissue-specific physiological processes and potential roles in pathological conditions .
The physiological functions of KLK15 are not fully understood, but it is believed to participate in proteolytic cascades that regulate various biological processes . In the context of cancer, KLK15 has been identified as a potential biomarker for prostate cancer due to its elevated expression in prostate cancer tissues compared to normal tissues . Additionally, KLK15 may play a role in other cancers, although further research is needed to elucidate its functions and mechanisms .
Recombinant human kallikrein-15 (hK15) is produced using advanced biotechnological methods. The gene encoding hK15 is cloned into an expression vector, which is then introduced into a suitable host cell, such as Escherichia coli or mammalian cells . The host cells express the hK15 protein, which is subsequently purified using chromatographic techniques to obtain a high-purity recombinant protein . This recombinant hK15 is used in various research applications to study its biochemical properties and potential therapeutic uses .