title: Update of the human and mouse SERPIN gene superfamily.
abstract: The serpin family comprises a structurally similar, yet functionally diverse, set of proteins. Named originally for their function as serine proteinase inhibitors, many of its members are not inhibitors but rather chaperones, involved in storage, transport, and other roles. Serpins are found in genomes of all kingdoms, with 36 human protein-coding genes and five pseudogenes. The mouse has 60 Serpin functional genes, many of which are orthologous to human SERPIN genes and some of which have expanded into multiple paralogous genes. Serpins are found in tissues throughout the body; whereas most are extracellular, there is a class of intracellular serpins. Serpins appear to have roles in inflammation, immune function, tumorigenesis, blood clotting, dementia, and cancer metastasis. Further characterization of these proteins will likely reveal potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for disease.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Heit
authors.forename: Brian C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McAndrews
authors.forename: Mathew W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Gary A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Silverman
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. dan.nebert@uc.edu.
authors.forename: Daniel W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Nebert
authors.forename: Vasilis
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vasiliou
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D005810:Multigene Family; D010802:Phylogeny; D011487:Protein Conformation; D015843:Serpins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D015843:Serpins