TMPRSS2

711350528ENSG00000184012ENSMUSG00000000385O15393Q9JIQ8NM_001135099NM_005656NM_015775NP_001128571NP_005647NP_056590Transmembrane protease, serine 2 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the TMPRSS2 gene. Transmembrane protease, serine 2 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the TMPRSS2 gene. This gene encodes a protein that belongs to the serine protease family. The encoded protein contains a type II transmembrane domain, a receptor class A domain, a scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain and a protease domain. Serine proteases are known to be involved in many physiological and pathological processes. This gene was demonstrated to be up-regulated by androgenic hormones in prostate cancer cells and down-regulated in androgen-independent prostate cancer tissue. The protease domain of this protein is thought to be cleaved and secreted into cell media after autocleavage. The biological function of this gene is unknown. TMPRSS2 protein's function in prostate carcinogenesis relies on overexpression of ETS transcription factors, such as ERG and ETV1, through gene fusion. TMPRSS2-ERG fusion gene is the most frequent, present in 40% - 80% of prostate cancers in humans. ERG overexpression contributes to development of androgen-independence in prostate cancer through disruption of androgen receptor signaling.