Serine peptidase inhibitor Kazal type 7 (SPINK7)

Serine peptidase inhibitor Kazal type 7 (SPINK7) is a member of the Kazal-type serine protease inhibitor family, functioning as a secreted protein that plays a key role in controlling protease activity in epithelial tissues. In humans, SPINK7 (also known as ECRG2) is identified as a tumor suppressor gene with reduced expression in several cancers, including esophageal and oral squamous cell carcinoma, and mutations may impair its function in cell death induction and DNA-damage response[2][4]. In epithelial cells, especially in the esophagus, SPINK7 is crucial to maintaining mucosal barrier integrity; its loss increases protease activity, disrupts cell differentiation, promotes inflammatory and allergic responses, and may contribute to pathologies such as eosinophilic esophagitis[3]. In non-mammalian models (like silkworm), SPINK7 additionally regulates innate immune defense, recognizing fungal pathogens, binding pathogen-associated molecular patterns, and promoting aggregation and encapsulation of invading organisms by immune cells[1].

Other names

Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 7SPINK7ECG2ECRG-2ECRG2Esophagus cancer-related gene 2 proteinesophagus cancer related gene 2esophagus cancer-related gene-2serine peptidase inhibitor, Kazal type 7 (putative)

Inhibits serine protease activity, maintaining epithelial barrier integrity[3]. Downregulates protease-driven apoptosis, cell migration, invasion, and oncogenesis[2][4]. Suppresses protease-induced inflammatory cytokine production[3].