SPINK8 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 specific proteases, the SPINK protease inhibitor Kazal-type (SPINK) family. These are serine peptidase inhibitors. They contain at least one inhibitory Kazal domain. This domain binds to their targets, the serine proteases, and inhibits their proteolytic functions. This regulatory inhibitory function and its fine-tuning is fundamental for many epithelia.

SPINK8 is highly expressed in the mouse epididymis along with SPINK10, SPINK11 and SPINK12. Epididymal maturation of spermatozoa is regulated by changes in luminal ion concentration and sperm surface membrane processing by various glycosidases and proteases. Apparently, the protease SPINK8 contributes to the regulation of sperm maturation by regulating proteolytic processing of the sperm membrane during epididymal transit.

1. Jalkanen J et al.(2006) Novel epididymal protease inhibitors with Kazal or WAP family domain. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 349:245-254.