Kallikrein 15 (KLK15)

Kallikrein-15 is one of the fifteen kallikrein subfamily members located in a cluster on chromosome 19. In prostate cancer, KLK15 has increased expression, which indicates its possible use as a diagnostic or prognostic marker for prostate cancer. KLK15 contains multiple polyadenylation sites and alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms. The deduced protein is homologous to the C-terminal two-thirds of serine proteinases, and it shares 43% identity with pancreatic trypsinogen-2 (PRSS2). Northern blot analysis detected an 8-kb ACO transcript in brain and liver. RT-PCR revealed low ACO expression in all human tissues and cell lines tested, with highest levels in a neuroblastoma cell line and activated T cells.