Human Hepsin ELISA Kit

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Hepsin also known as HPN is a serine protease enzyme with a molecular weight of approximately 51 kDa. It is located on the cell surface and shows a high expression in hepatocytes and prostate tissue. Alternative names for this protein include HPN and hepto. Hepsin contains a trypsin-like domain and a transmembrane domain contributing to its proteolytic function. This enzyme plays an important role in cell growth and maintenance by cleaving other proteins.

Biological function summary

Hepsin functions in the activation of growth factors and proteolysis of the extracellular matrix. It does not form part of a large protein complex but cooperates with other proteases and factors to achieve its biological roles. Hepsin influences processes like cell migration tissue remodeling and metastatic spread highlighting its importance in cellular dynamics.

Pathways

Hepsin is involved in the activation of the HGF/MET signaling pathway. In this pathway Hepsin activates hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) which in turn interacts with the MET receptor to promote cellular behaviors such as proliferation and migration. This pathway shares connections with other proteases like matriptase which also partake in activating growth factors and modulating cellular activities.

Associated diseases and disorders

Hepsin has connections to prostate cancer and liver fibrosis. In prostate cancer elevated levels of Hepsin may facilitate tumor progression by degrading extracellular matrix components enabling cancer cells to invade new tissues. Hepsin's activity links it to MET signaling which can enhance tumor growth. In liver fibrosis its role in modifying extracellular matrix proteins can influence fibrotic tissue development potentially interacting with proteins like TIMP1 which regulate matrix degradation.