TMPRSS2
Description
The TMPRSS2 (transmembrane serine protease 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 21.
TMPRSS2, short for Transmembrane Protease, Serine 2, is an enzyme encoded by the TMPRSS2 gene in humans. It belongs to the TMPRSS family of proteins, which are transmembrane proteins with serine protease activity. TMPRSS2 is highly concentrated in the cell membranes of epithelial cells in the lungs and prostate, but also found in the heart, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. Mutations in the TMPRSS2 gene are often associated with prostate cancer. Several viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, utilize the protease activity of TMPRSS2 to enter cells.
TMPRSS2 is a serine protease with a type II transmembrane domain, a low density lipoprotein receptor class A domain, a scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain, and a protease domain. Serine proteases are involved in various physiological and pathological processes. This gene is upregulated by androgenic hormones in prostate cancer cells and downregulated in androgen-independent prostate cancer tissue. The protease domain of TMPRSS2 is thought to be cleaved and secreted into cell media after autocleavage.
TMPRSS2 is a plasma membrane-anchored serine protease that cleaves at arginine residues. It plays a role in the normal functioning of the prostate gland by participating in proteolytic cascades. Androgen hormones stimulate TMPRSS2, which in turn activates various substrates like pro-hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), protease activated receptor-2 (F2RL1), and matriptase (ST14). This activation leads to the breakdown of the extracellular matrix and contributes to the spread of prostate cancer cells. TMPRSS2 also activates trigeminal neurons, potentially contributing to pain and hypersensitivity.
TMPRSS2 is also known as PRSS10.
