Human tissue kallikrein gene family: a rich source of novel disease biomarkers

Expert Rev Mol Diagn. 2001 Jul;1(2):182-90. doi: 10.1586/14737159.1.2.182.

Abstract

The organization of the human tissue kallikrein gene family has now been fully elucidated. This family contains 15 genes encoding secreted serine proteases, which share significant homologies at both the DNA and amino acid level. Two members of the human kallikrein gene family, prostate-specific antigen and human kallikrein 2, have already found important clinical application as prostate cancer biomarkers. In this review, we examine the diagnostic and prognostic value of the 15 human kallikrein genes and proteins. It is clear that at least a few members show promise of becoming novel cancer and other disease biomarkers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kallikreins / genetics*
  • Male
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques
  • Multigene Family
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Kallikreins