LEKTI/SPINK5: Proteins and Enzymes

LEKTI, encoded by the SPINK5 gene, is a serine proteinase inhibitor with activity toward Kallikreins, Plasmin, Subtilisin A, Cathepsin G, Elastase, and Trypsin. It is primarily expressed in differentiated keratinocytes and is found in multiple forms due to alternative splicing and proteolytic cleavage.

In the skin, LEKTI regulates the ability of KLK5, KLK7, and KLK14 to degrade the desmosomal proteins Desmoglein-1 and Desmoplakin-1 during desquamation. Mutations in SPINK5 and loss of its expression are associated with the development of various skin disorders such as Netherton syndrome, atopic eczema, and atopic dermatitis.