Prostasin (PRSS8)

Prostasin (PRSS8) is a membrane-bound serine protease of the trypsin family, highly expressed in epithelial tissues such as the prostate, lung, and skin[5][6]. Its principal roles include promoting terminal differentiation in epithelia and regulating epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) activity, essential for sodium and water homeostasis. Prostasin achieves its functions both through its enzymatic activity and via non-catalytic mechanisms, as demonstrated by mouse models where enzymatic inactivation does not abrogate key biological functions[4]. Disease associations primarily relate to barrier dysfunction, dehydration, and conditions involving abnormal sodium transport. Experimental and pharmacological efforts to target prostasin focus on protease inhibition, which may impact epithelial integrity and fluid balance.

Other names

Channel-activating protease 1 (CAP1)PRSS8Prostasin

Protease inhibitors can block the catalytic site of prostasin, typically by mimicking substrate and forming stable complexes. Regulation/inhibition of enzymatic activity impacts ENaC channel function, affecting salt and water absorption[4][5].