Anti-Prostate Specific Antigen antibody

Supplementary info

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

Activity summary

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) also known as kallikrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3) is a serine protease with a mass of approximately 28.4 kDa. PSA is primarily expressed in the epithelial cells of the prostate gland. This glycoprotein is an important component in the seminal fluid where it performs its proteolytic activity that liquefies semen facilitating sperm motility.

Biological function summary

PSA functions by cleaving the gel-forming proteins present in seminal coagulum. It does not operate as part of a larger protein complex. PSA also interacts with substrates like fibronectin and semenogelin which play roles in seminal coagulation and liquefaction. The expression of PSA in prostate tissue has made it a valuable biomarker for prostate function and pathological conditions.

Pathways

PSA is involved in the kallikrein-kinin system which influences inflammation and blood pressure regulation. PSA is not directly a part of key metabolic or signaling pathways but it is co-expressed with key proteins like androgen receptor (AR) which modulates PSA's expression. The interplay between androgens and PSA highlights its role in hormone regulation within the male reproductive system.

Associated diseases and disorders

PSA levels serve as an indicator for prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Elevated PSA levels often correlate with prostate cancer although other prostate conditions such as prostatitis can also increase PSA without cancer. Proteins like PCA3 and the AR are also connected in the context of prostate cancer providing a broader understanding of PSA's role in these diseases.