Anti-SPINK5/LEKTI antibody [EPR8777]

Supplementary info

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

Activity summary

SPINK5 also known as LEKTI (lympho-epithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor) is a protease inhibitor with a molecular mass of approximately 130 kDa. This protein is predominantly expressed in epithelial tissues such as the skin thymus and mucosal surfaces like the lung and gut. SPINK5/LEKTI plays a mechanical role in inhibiting serine proteases which are critical for skin barrier functions. It regulates the activity of enzymes that are involved in the process of desquamation and maintaining skin integrity.

Biological function summary

SPINK5/LEKTI functions to maintain the balance of protease activity within skin tissue. It is part of a larger complex that regulates barrier homeostasis and influences desquamation by inhibiting enzymes such as kallikreins. This protease inhibition reduces excessive protease activity therefore preserving the epidermal barrier. By controlling the breakdown of structural components the protein ensures proper skin resilience and hydration retention.

Pathways

SPINK5/LEKTI is involved in the epidermal differentiation complex and interacts within the kallikrein-related pathway. It plays a role in regulating the kallikrein protease family including proteins such as KLK5 and KLK7 which are important for skin shedding and barrier formation. The inhibition of these proteases ensures a balanced turnover of skin cells preventing unwanted degradation of the skin's protective layer. SPINK5/LEKTI participates in pathways that balance cell renewal and contribute to protective mechanisms against environmental damage.

Associated diseases and disorders

SPINK5/LEKTI is most notably linked to Netherton syndrome a genetic disorder characterized by compromised skin barrier function chronic inflammation and allergy susceptibility. Mutations in SPINK5 lead to uncontrolled protease activity due to reduced inhibition predominantly impacting related kallikrein activities. This connection extends to disorders of skin barrier failure. Additionally SPINK5/LEKTI may play a role in atopic dermatitis where aberrant protease activity contributes to the pathophysiology through similar mechanisms involving proteins like FLG (filaggrin) which affect skin hydration and barrier function.