Trypsin-1 (PRSS1) (PRSS1)

Trypsin-1, encoded by the PRSS1 gene and also known as cationic trypsinogen, is a major digestive enzyme synthesized by the pancreatic acinar cells. It is secreted into the small intestine as an inactive zymogen, where it is activated by enteropeptidase to initiate the digestion of dietary proteins and the activation of other pancreatic proenzymes. Mutations in the PRSS1 gene, particularly gain-of-function variants like R122H, are the primary cause of hereditary pancreatitis, as they lead to premature intrapancreatic trypsin activation and resistance to inactivation, resulting in organ autodigestion. Because of its central role in pancreatic inflammation, Trypsin-1 is a key therapeutic target for serine protease inhibitors such as camostat and nafamostat, which are used to treat acute and chronic pancreatitis. Furthermore, PRSS1 serves as a critical biomarker in clinical diagnostics, including neonatal screening for cystic fibrosis and the genetic assessment of chronic pancreatic diseases.

Other names

Protease, serine 1Cationic trypsinogenSerine protease 1TRP1TRY1TRY4TRYP1Trypsinogen A

Serine protease inhibition