Spink4 gene

SPINK is the acronym for "Serine Peptidase Inhibitor Kazal" and comprises a gene family placed on different chromosomes. The members of this gene family code for the specific proteases, the Kazal-type SPINK protease inhibitor family (SPINK). These are serine peptidase inhibitors. They contain at least one inhibitory Kazal domain. This domain binds to its target, the serine proteases, and inhibits their proteolytic functions. This regulatory inhibitory function and its fine-tuning is fundamental for many epithelia.

The SPINK4 gene is located on chromosome 9p13.3 and encodes a gastrointestinal peptide, the "Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 4" SPINK4 is expressed in blood mononuclear cells as well as in epithelia of the colon and rectum. Some studies suggest that SPINK4 expression is downregulated in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) compared to normal tissue. Decreased SPINK4 expression at both mRNA and protein levels is associated with poor prognosis (Wang X et al.2019).

1. Wang X et al.(2019) Downregulated SPINK4 is associated with poor survival in colorectal cancer. BMC Cancer 19:1258.
2. Xie M et al. (2019) Association and diagnostic value of serum SPINK4 in colorectal cancer. PeerJ. 7:e6679.