TMPRSS2 is a protein that belongs to the serine protease family. The protein contains a type II transmembrane domain, a low density lipoprotein 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 protein is 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. TMPRSS2 participates in proteolytic cascades necessary for normal physiological function of the prostate.
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