Mechanistic and Diagnostic Roles of Kallikrein Related Peptidases ۲ (KLK۲) in Prostate Cancer

Kallikrein related peptidases (KLKs) are a group of serine-like proteases such as chemo trypsin and trypsin, which are regulated by steroid hormones and play a vital role in a variety of natural and physiological functions through their proteolytic activity. However, involvement of these proteases has been reported in many pathological conditions, such as various types of malignancies. Deregulation of the expression of genes encoding kallikrein, including KLK۲, is often associated with many types of cancer, in particular prostate cancer. This review provides an overview of the gene and protein structures and function of KLKs particularly, KLK۲, at the molecular level, and also summarizes the role of KLK۲ in the pathobiology of prostate cancer and the possible mechanisms involved in its progression. Finally, the importance of this protein is studied as a specific diagnostic marker along with PSA marker as well as therapeutic target of KLK۲ in treatment of prostate cancer.  A comprehensive understanding the structure and activity of this protein in prostate cancer can provide a valuable tool for future clinical practice that can be used to evaluate the clinical outcome and select the most appropriate treatment strategy. The critical role of KLK۲ in promoting cell growth, migration, metastasis, angiogenesis and inhibiting apoptosis in prostate cancer cells, suggests KLK۲ as the second diagnostic biomarker along with PSA with high specificity.

کلیدواژه ها:

Kallikrein related peptidases (KLKs) ، Kallikrein۲ (KLK۲) ، Protease inhibitors ، prostate cancer ، Diagnostic marker of prostate cancer