Suppressor of tumorigenicity 14 protein (Matriptase) (ST14)

Matriptase, also known as ST14 or MT-SP1, is a prominent type II transmembrane serine protease (TTSP) expressed on the surface of epithelial and various tumor cells. It plays a critical role in the pericellular activation of the plasminogen activator system by proteolytically converting the zymogen pro-urokinase plasminogen activator (pro-uPA) into its active form, uPA. Beyond its role in the uPA/plasmin cascade, matriptase is essential for the activation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2), which are key drivers of cellular proliferation and migration. In oncology, the dysregulation or overexpression of matriptase is strongly associated with increased tumor invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis in various epithelial-derived cancers, including breast, prostate, and ovarian carcinomas. Consequently, matriptase is a significant therapeutic target, with various small-molecule inhibitors and antibody-based therapies under investigation to disrupt its pro-tumorigenic proteolytic activity.

Other names

MatriptaseMT-SP1ST14MTSP1TADG-15SNC19Type II transmembrane serine protease 1Serine protease 14