KLK8 Mouse

Kallikrein-8 (KLK8), also known as neuropsin, is a serine protease that belongs to the kallikrein family. This family consists of 15 members, each playing significant roles in various physiological processes. KLK8 is particularly notable for its involvement in neural plasticity, memory formation, and certain forms of epilepsy .

KLK8 was initially cloned from a human skin cDNA library as a homolog of mouse neuropsin . The mouse homolog of KLK8 is predominantly expressed in the skin and brain, especially in the hippocampus, which is a critical region for memory and learning .

KLK8 is secreted and expected to be present in various biological fluids. In mice, KLK8 expression is highest in the skin and brain, particularly in the hippocampus . This expression pattern suggests that KLK8 plays a crucial role in neural plasticity, memory formation, and potentially in some forms of epilepsy .

Recombinant KLK8 is produced using a baculovirus expression system. This method involves inserting the KLK8 gene into a baculovirus, which then infects insect cells, leading to the production of the recombinant protein . The recombinant KLK8 is subsequently purified using a three-step chromatographic procedure .

KLK8 has been studied extensively for its potential as a biomarker in various diseases, including cancer. The development of sensitive and specific immunoassays, such as the KLK8-ELISA, has enabled researchers to quantify KLK8 levels in tissue extracts and biological fluids . These assays have revealed that KLK8 is present in high concentrations in tissues such as the esophagus, skin, testis, tonsil, kidney, breast, and salivary gland, as well as in biological fluids like breast milk, amniotic fluid, seminal plasma, and serum .