Kallikrein-related peptidase 12 (KLK12) is a member of the human tissue kallikrein family, a group of 15 serine proteases (KLK1-KLK15) encoded by genes clustered on chromosome 19. KLK12 is expressed in various tissues, including the brain, skin, and reproductive organs, and is implicated in physiological processes such as skin desquamation, hormone regulation, and neural function. Structurally, it shares conserved catalytic triad residues (His, Asp, Ser) with other kallikreins, enabling its enzymatic activity. Dysregulation of KLK12 has been linked to pathological conditions, particularly cancer. Overexpression of KLK12 is observed in malignancies like breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers, where it may promote tumor progression via proteolytic cleavage of extracellular matrix components, activation of signaling pathways (e.g., PAR-mediated pathways), or modulation of growth factors.
Antibodies targeting KLK12 are essential tools for studying its biological roles and clinical relevance. They enable detection of KLK12 expression in tissues (via immunohistochemistry) or biological fluids (via ELISA), aiding in cancer biomarker research. Some studies explore KLK12 antibodies for therapeutic applications, such as blocking enzymatic activity or targeting KLK12-expressing cancer cells. However, challenges remain, including understanding isoform-specific functions and minimizing cross-reactivity with homologous kallikreins. Ongoing research aims to clarify KLK12's mechanistic contributions to disease and optimize antibody-based strategies for diagnostics or targeted therapies.