Kallistatin Protein

Background

SERPINA4, also known as kallistatin, is a member of the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily, which plays a critical role in the regulation of various proteolytic processes in the body. This gene is located on chromosome 14q32.13, a region that houses a cluster of other serpin genes, including SERPINA1 and SERPINA3. Kallistatin was first identified as a potent inhibitor of tissue kallikrein, a serine protease involved in the generation of kinins, which are peptides that contribute to blood pressure regulation, inflammation, and pain. Kallistatin is synthesized primarily in the liver and circulates in the blood, but it is also expressed in other tissues, including the heart, kidneys, and vasculature. The protein encoded by SERPINA4 is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including the regulation of blood pressure, angiogenesis, inflammation, and oxidative stress