Biological Activity
SPINT1 (Serine peptidase inhibitor, Kunitz type 1) is a Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor belonging to the Kunitz family. It is localized in the villous of cytotrophoblast (CTB). It controls the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) activity by inhibiting HGF activator (HGFA). SPINT1 restricts the cancer metastasis by inhibiting the HGF activity. The interaction between SPINT1 and CTB may contribute in the villous differentiation and maintenance of the villous tree. It has been reported th at SPINT1 also retards the activity of various pro-metastatic serine proteases associated with tumor spreading.
