Evolution of kallikrein-related peptidases in mammals and identification of a genetic locus encoding potential regulatory inhibitors.
The human kallikrein locus on chromosome 19 consists of 15 genes encoding serine proteases. Here we review studies on their evolution, which demonstrate that there are several taxon-unique KLK1 paralogs in mouse, rat and horse, but not in primates and many other mammals. Furthermore, the duplication yielding KLK2 and prostate-specific antigen (KLK3) appears to be specific to primates, but a functional progenitor to KLK2 is expressed in the dog prostate. The linkage to a locus of possible regulatory protease inhibitors on chromosome 20 is discussed, as is the potential role of the kallikrein locus in innate immunity.
Lund University, Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital MAS, S-20502 Malmö, Sweden. ake.lundwall@med.lu.se
Ake
A
Lundwall
Adam
A
Clauss
A Yvonne
AY
Olsson
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002890:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 20 / Q000235:genetics; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D007610:Kallikreins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D010802:Phylogeny; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats
D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases; D007610:Kallikreins; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen