Transmembrane serine protease 13 (TMPRSS13)

Transmembrane serine protease 13 (TMPRSS13) is a type II membrane-anchored serine protease encoded by the TMPRSS13 gene and expressed predominantly at the cell surface in several epithelial tissues, including skin, oral cavity, and the digestive tract. It contains multiple functional domains, including a transmembrane region, a receptor class A domain, a scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain, and a catalytic protease domain. TMPRSS13 facilitates proteolytic maturation of specific substrate proteins, such as converting inactive pro-hepatocyte growth factor into its active form, thus stimulating downstream signaling pathways. It has been identified as an important regulator of epidermal barrier formation during development, with deficiency causing impaired skin formation in animal models. In cancer, TMPRSS13 is often upregulated, contributing to cellular survival, invasion, and resistance to apoptosis-inducing chemotherapeutics. It also has a role in facilitating viral entry by cleaving and activating viral glycoproteins. Regulation is achieved through endogenous serine protease inhibitors (e.g., HAI-1), and post-translational modifications such as glycosylation and phosphorylation affect its activity and localization.

Other names

Mosaic serine protease large-form (MSPL)TMPRSS11MSPMSPSmembrane-type mosaic serine proteasetransmembrane protease serine 13TMPSDtransmembrane protease, serine 13

Protease inhibition (e.g., by endogenous HAI-1) and induction of apoptosis via chemotherapeutic agents (resistance modulated by TMPRSS13 expression).