ST14

ST14 encodes the protein Suppression of Tumorigenicity 14, commonly known as matriptase. Matriptase is a type - II transmembrane serine protease. It plays a crucial role in epithelial development and homeostasis by activating a variety of substrates, such as protease - activated receptor 2 (PAR2). It is involved in the EGF and Wnt signaling pathways.
Aberrant expression of matriptase is associated with multiple diseases, especially cancers. It can promote tumor invasion and metastasis. Regarding drug development, efforts are underway to design specific inhibitors of matriptase. These inhibitors aim to block its protease activity, offering potential therapeutic strategies for matriptase - related diseases.