PRSS42
Unlocking the Secrets of the PRSS42 Gene
Description
The PRSS42 gene, located on chromosome 7, encodes a serine protease enzyme called PRSS42. This enzyme is primarily expressed in the prostate gland, where it plays a crucial role in the production and maturation of seminal fluid. PRSS42 is responsible for cleaving prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and other seminal fluid proteins, facilitating their release and activation.
Associated Diseases
Mutations in the PRSS42 gene have been linked to several diseases, including:
- Hereditary Prostatitis: Mutations in PRSS42 can lead to a chronic inflammatory condition of the prostate gland, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty urinating.
- Prostate Cancer: Certain PRSS42 mutations have been associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Cowden Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by multiple non-cancerous tumors throughout the body, including in the prostate.
Did you Know ?
Approximately 3% of men with hereditary prostatitis have a mutation in the PRSS42 gene.
