Publications by authors named "Norio Otsuki"
Clin Chim Acta
February 2007
Article Synopsis
- The study investigates the expression of human tissue kallikreins (KLKs) and a serine protease inhibitor (SPINK5) in the pituitary gland, and their potential role in the proteolytic processing of human growth hormone (hGH).
- Researchers found that several KLKs (specifically KLKs 5-8, 10-14) and SPINK5 are present in the pituitary, with some KLKs capable of cleaving hGH into various isoforms in vitro.
- The study suggests a regulatory model where SPINK5 inhibits specific KLKs, which, if compromised (as seen in Netherton syndrome), could result in excessive processing of hGH
J Invest Dermatol
September 2003
Article Synopsis
- Tissue kallikreins are a group of serine proteases located on chromosome 19, with 15 different enzymes encoded, including hK5 and hK7, which are important for skin exfoliation.
- A study using RT-PCR and in situ hybridization revealed that KLK1 and KLK11 mRNA are highly expressed in normal human skin, along with moderate levels of several other kallikreins, while identifying novel splice variants for KLK13.
- The expression of various KLK mRNAs alongside the serine protease inhibitor SPINK5 in different skin regions suggests a complex system for regulating serine protease activity and maintaining skin health.
J Invest Dermatol
March 2002
Article Synopsis
- Netherton syndrome is a genetic skin condition characterized by severe skin issues, including erythroderma and hair defects, caused by mutations in the serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 5 gene.
- The study identifies two new mutations in this gene found in patients from two unrelated Japanese families and explores how these genetic changes correlate with the symptoms of the syndrome.
- It proposes that the mutations interfere with normal skin cell function, leading to excessive skin shedding and barrier dysfunction, which may explain the severe symptoms seen in affected individuals.
