title: Predictions for the future of kallikrein-related peptidases in molecular diagnostics.
abstract: Kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) form a cancer-related ensemble of serine proteases. This multigene family hosts the most widely used cancer biomarker that is PSA-KLK3, with millions of tests performed annually worldwide. The present report provides an overview of the biomarker potential of the extended KLK family (KLK1-KLK15) in various disease settings and envisages approaches that could lead to additional KLK-driven applications in future molecular diagnostics. Particular focus is given on the inclusion of KLKs into multifaceted cancer biomarker panels that provide enhanced diagnostic, prognostic and/or predictive accuracy in several human malignancies. Such panels have been described so far for prostate, ovarian, lung and colorectal cancers. The role of KLKs as biomarkers in non-malignant disease settings, such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, is also commented upon. Predictions are given on the challenges and future directions regarding clinically oriented KLK research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 157 01, Greece.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scorilas
authors.forename: Konstantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mavridis
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007610:Kallikreins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D007610:Kallikreins
keywords: KLK; PSA; biomarker panel; cancer diagnosis; cancer prognosis; kallikrein-related peptidases; molecular tumor marker; neurodegenerative diseases; ovarian cancer; prostate cancer