SERPINB1

SERPINB1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SERPINB1 gene. It is a member of the serpin superfamily of proteins, which function primarily as serine protease inhibitors. SERPINB1 is also known as Leukocyte Elastase Inhibitor (LEI) and Monocyte Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitor (MNEI).

Function

SERPINB1 is a cytoplasmic protease inhibitor that regulates the activity of neutrophilic granule proteases, such as elastase, cathepsin G, and proteinase 3. These proteases are released from neutrophils during inflammation and can cause tissue damage if not properly regulated. By inhibiting these proteases, SERPINB1 helps to prevent excessive tissue damage during inflammation.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the SERPINB1 gene have been associated with various diseases. For example, a deficiency in SERPINB1 has been linked to Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by severe periodontitis and palmoplantar keratoderma. Additionally, overexpression of SERPINB1 has been observed in certain types of cancer, including lung and breast cancer, suggesting a potential role in tumor progression.

See also

• SERPIN
• Protease inhibitor
• Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome
• Cancer