Kallikreins are a subgroup of
serine proteases having diverse physiological functions. As of 2022, the precise physiological functions of Kallikrein 13 remain unknown. It may play a role in the defense of the upper digestive apparatus, in
extracellular matrix degradation, in
tissue remodelling, and in the male reproductive organs. This gene is one of the fifteen
kallikrein subfamily members located in a cluster on
chromosome 19. Expression of this gene is regulated by
steroid hormones and may be useful as a marker for
breast cancer. An additional
transcript variant has been identified, but its full length sequence has not been determined. Many kallikreins are implicated in
carcinogenesis and some have potential as novel cancer and other disease biomarkers. == References ==