Serine peptidase inhibitor Kazal type 6 (SPINK6)

Serine peptidase inhibitor Kazal type 6 (SPINK6) is a **Kazal-type serine protease inhibitor** primarily expressed in the skin, especially in the stratum corneum and granulosum, where it plays a central role in **regulating the activity of epidermal kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs)** to maintain skin homeostasis and barrier function[1][2][3][4][5]. SPINK6 selectively inhibits several KLKs (KLK4, KLK5, KLK6, KLK7, KLK12, KLK13, KLK14)[1][2][4][5], controlling desquamation and protecting the extracellular matrix. Beyond the skin, SPINK6 is involved in **modulation of cancer progression** (such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma), prevention of viral entry by blocking protease-mediated cleavage (influenza A virus), and response to tissue inflammation and barrier disruption[2]. SPINK6 is part of the SPINK gene family located on chromosome 5q33.1, and has a unique NMR-resolved structure enabling both conserved and alternative modes of protease inhibition[1][4].

Other names

Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 6SPINK6UNQ844/PRO1782MGC21394UNQ844BUSI2Kallikrein inhibitorprotease inhibitor Hacrosin inhibitor

Inhibits serine protease activity of several kallikrein-related peptidases, including KLK4, KLK5, KLK6, KLK7, KLK12, KLK13, and KLK14; Indirect suppression of tumorigenic signaling (via EGFR/ERK pathway modulation); Restriction of viral hemagglutinin cleavage (influenza A)