Serine peptidase inhibitor, Kunitz type 4 (SPINT4)

Serine peptidase inhibitor, Kunitz type 4 (SPINT4) is a protein-coding gene encoding an extracellular inhibitor of serine-type endopeptidases[1][2][3][4][8]. The protein contains one or more Kunitz-type domains, structurally similar to other protease inhibitors, and is predominantly expressed in the epididymis and other tissues[4]. Its biological role is thought to include regulation of protease activity in the extracellular environment, which may be important for processes such as sperm maturation and binding, but its detailed physiological and pathological significance has yet to be fully elucidated[2][4][6][8]. At present, SPINT4 is not confirmed as a clinically relevant therapeutic target or biomarker, and no drugs directly target this molecule.

Other names

Kunitz-type protease inhibitor 4C20orf137dJ601O1.1SPINT3epididymis secretory sperm binding proteinserine protease inhibitor, Kunitz type 1serine protease inhibitor, Kunitz type 4