WFDC2

WAP four-disulfide core domain protein 2
Identifiers
Symbol	?

WAP four-disulfide core domain protein 2 (WFDC2), also known as HE4 (Human Epididymis Protein 4), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the WFDC2 gene. This gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 20 at position 20q12-q13.1.

Function

WFDC2 is a member of the WAP four-disulfide core domain family of proteins, which are characterized by the presence of a conserved motif containing eight cysteine residues forming four disulfide bonds. These proteins are typically involved in immune response and protease inhibition. WFDC2 is primarily expressed in the epididymis, but it is also found in other tissues, including the ovary, lung, and kidney.

Clinical Significance

WFDC2 has gained attention as a potential biomarker for ovarian cancer. Elevated levels of WFDC2 are often found in the serum of patients with ovarian carcinoma, making it a useful marker for the diagnosis and monitoring of this disease. It is often used in conjunction with CA-125, another biomarker, to improve the accuracy of ovarian cancer detection.

Expression

The expression of WFDC2 is regulated by various factors, including hormones and cytokines. It is upregulated in certain pathological conditions, such as cancer and inflammation. Studies have shown that WFDC2 expression is higher in malignant tissues compared to benign tissues, which supports its role as a cancer biomarker.

Related Proteins

WFDC2 is part of a larger family of WAP domain-containing proteins, which includes other members such as SLPI (Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor) and elafin. These proteins share structural similarities and often have overlapping functions in immune defense and protease inhibition.

Research

Ongoing research is focused on understanding the precise role of WFDC2 in cancer biology and its potential as a therapeutic target. Studies are also exploring the use of WFDC2 in combination with other biomarkers for the early detection of ovarian and other cancers.

See also

• Ovarian cancer
• Biomarker
• Protease inhibitor
• WAP four-disulfide core domain