Antibodies to Kallikrein Family - FocusOn 006

Introduction: KLK11, KLK12, KLK13, KLK 14 and KLK15, KLK2, KLK3, KLK5 and KLKL1- KLKL4

Fig.1: Cat.-No. AP20004PU-N Kallikrein-7/KLK7 antibody staining of Human Paraffin-Embedded Cal27 xenograft at 1/100 dilution.

Fig.2: Cat.-No.SM3072P Kallikrein-3/PSA antibody staining of Paraffin-Embedded Human Prostate Section.

Kallikrein (KLK) enzymes are a group of serine proteases found in many different tissues and body fluids. There are two main types of kallikreins, plasma and tissue kallikreins. Plasma kallikreins are only expressed by liver cells. They are involved in various processes such as blood clotting and regulation of vascular tone. Tissue kallikreins have been characterised in rodents and humans to be a highly conserved multi-gene family. The human kallikrein gene family has around 15 known genes that show remarkable similarity at the gene and protein level. In addition 12 related genes have been identified on an adjacent locus to the human kallikrein gene family. Within this large family, some members are of particular interest for diagnostic applications. KLK3, better known as Prostate specific antigen (PSA), is well widely used as a relatively sensitive and specific marker for prostata carcinomas. Besides KLK2 and KLK10, KLK6 and KLK11 are in discussion of potential markers for prostate and ovarian carcinomas. Kallikrein 6 is broadly expressed in glandular epithelia. In the brain, it has been located in the epithelial cells of the choroid plexus. Soluble kallikrein 6 has also recently been reported as a potential marker for Alzheimer’s disease, with bloodlevels being increased significantly over controls. Kallikrein 11 is expressed in brain, skin, salivary gland, stomach, uterus, lung,thymus, colon, breast, thyroid, ovary and prostate. Increased levels are reported in prostate and ovarian carcinomas.

Fig.3: Cat.-No. AP20016PU-N Kallikrein-14/KLK14 antibody staining of Palmar Skin. The KLK14 antibody stains intraepidermal sweat ducts.

Fig.4: Kallikrein-5/KLK5 antibody staining of Human Prostate lysate at 0.1 µg/ml (35 µg protein in RIPA buffer). Primary incubation was 1 hour. Detected by chemiluminescence.

Antibody Tools for Detection of Kallikreins

Acris Antibodies offers a comprehensive antibody panel to the Kallikrein family. These antibodies are useful for the detection of Kallikreins by Western blotting. Some of the antibodies to Kallikrein 3 (KLK3, PSA) can also be used in ELISA or immunohistochemical staining.

Available antibody panel to Kallikrein (KLK) enzymes

Kallikrein 11 (KLK11 / Hippostatin), Kallikrein 12 (KLK12), Kallikrein 13 (KLK13), Kallikrein 14 (KLK14), Kallikrein 15 (KLK15), Kallikrein 2 (KLK2), Kallikrein 3 (KLK3, PSA) Kallikrein 4 (KLK4 / Kallikrein L1 / KLK-L1), Kallikrein 5 (KLK5), Kallikrein 9 (KLK9 / Kallikrein L3 / KLK-L3, Kallikrein L2 (KLK-L2), Kallikrein L4 antibody (KLK-L4)