Human Serpin B4 (SERPINB4) Protein

Background

SERPINB4, also known as squamous cell carcinoma antigen 2 (SCCA2), is a member of the serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN) family, specifically part of the SERPINB clade. This protein is closely related to SERPINB3, with which it shares significant sequence homology and functional similarities. Like other members of the SERPIN superfamily, SERPINB4 plays a crucial role in regulating proteolytic processes within cells, which are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and responding to various physiological and pathological stimuli. SERPINB4 was initially identified in the context of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a common form of skin cancer, where it is often overexpressed alongside SERPINB3. The gene encoding SERPINB4 is located on chromosome 18q21, within a cluster of related SERPIN genes, including SERPINB3