Serpin A12
Developmental stage
Barely detectable in at 6 weeks and is highly expressed in adipocytes of visceral white adipose tissues at 30 weeks.
Domain
The reactive center loop (RCL) extends out from the body of the protein and directs binding to the target protease. The protease cleaves the serpin at the reactive site within the RCL, establishing a covalent linkage between the carboxyl group of the serpin reactive site and the serine hydroxyl of the protease. The resulting inactive serpin-protease complex is highly stable.
Function
Adipokine that modulates insulin action by specifically inhibiting its target protease KLK7 in white adipose tissues.
Post-translational modifications
Glycosylation slightly decreases affinity for heparin, but otherwise has no significant effect on KLK7 inhibitory activity or thermal stability of the protein.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the serpin family.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in visceral adipose tissues.
Cellular localization
- Secreted
Alternative names
Serpin A12, Visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor, Visceral adipose-specific serpin, Vaspin, Serpina12