Invitrogen™ Human Hepsin ELISA Kit

Hepsin, encoded by the HPN gene, is a type II transmembrane serine protease prominently expressed in tissues such as the liver, kidney, and prostate. Hepsin plays a crucial role in proteolytic processes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, cell growth, and development. It is known for activating precursor molecules, including hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which is essential for liver development and regeneration. Furthermore, hepsin's involvement extends to influencing cell signaling pathways related to tissue homeostasis and repair. In the context of cancer, particularly prostate cancer, hepsin is implicated in tumor progression and metastasis by promoting extracellular matrix degradation, thereby facilitating tumor invasion and spread. Aberrant expression or activity of hepsin is associated with pathophysiological changes in the tumor microenvironment, making it a target for therapeutic interventions aimed at controlling cancer progression. Research continues to explore hepsin's biochemical functions and regulatory mechanisms, providing insights into its potential roles in both normal physiology and disease states.