Kallikrein 4 is a predominantly nuclear protein and is overexpressed in prostate cancer.

摘要: Kallikreins (KLKs) are highly conserved serine proteases that play key roles in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. KLKs secreted proteins have extracellular substrates function. For example, prostate-specific antigen (or KLK3) is protein widely used as diagnostic marker for prostate cancer. KLK4 recently identified member the kallikrein family regulated by androgens specific to expression. Here, we show gene product KLK4, hK4, first KLK intracellularly localized. We provide strong evidence previously assigned exon was predicted code signal peptide would target hK4 secretion not part physiologically relevant form mRNA. In addition detailed mapping mRNA 5' end RT-PCR, this conclusion supported predominantly nuclear localization cell, documented both immunofluorescence cell fractionation experiments. Furthermore, androgens, expression estrogen progesterone cancer cells. Finally, situ hybridization on normal hyperplastic samples tissue microarrays indicate expressed basal cells gland overexpressed These data suggest has unique structure function compared with other members may role biology characterization