Human WAP, kazal, immunoglobulin, kunitz and NTR domain-containing protein 1 (WFIKKN1) ELISA Kit

Background

WAP follistatin/kazal immunoglobulin kunitz and netrin domain containing 1 (WFIKKN1) is a secreted multidomain protease inhibitor that plays a key role in regulating extracellular proteolytic activity. This protein contains multiple functional domains, including WAP (whey acidic protein), follistatin, kazal, immunoglobulin, kunitz, and netrin-like domains, which collectively enable it to bind and inhibit a wide range of proteases such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, and matrix metalloproteinases. WFIKKN1 is highly expressed in musculoskeletal tissues and acts as a regulator of tissue remodeling, particularly in processes involving myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle growth. By inhibiting myostatin, WFIKKN1 contributes to muscle development and repair. It is also involved in wound healing, fibrosis, and cancer progression, where protease regulation is critical. Dysregulation of WFIKKN1 expression is associated with pathological conditions such as fibrosis, where excessive extracellular matrix deposition occurs, and certain cancers, where it may modulate tumor invasion and metastasis. Ongoing research aims to explore its potential as a therapeutic target for enhancing muscle mass in muscular dystrophies and mitigating tissue damage in chronic inflammatory diseases.