Kallikrein (激肽释放酶)

Kallikrein is a serine protease that plays a crucial role in the kallikrein-kinin system. Plasma kallikrein, specifically expressed in hepatocytes, acts on high molecular weight kininogen to release bradykinin, which is involved in regulating vascular tone, inflammatory response, and endogenous blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. Tissue kallikrein, widely distributed in various tissues such as the lung, kidney, and brain, acts on low molecular weight kininogen to produce kinin, participating in processes like blood pressure regulation, electrolyte balance, and neuronal protection. Additionally, kallikrein can bind to LDLR, promoting its lysosomal degradation, and interact with ASICs to affect neuronal function in the central nervous system. Dysregulation of kallikrein activity is associated with various diseases including heart disease, kidney disease, and cancer^[1][2].