This gene encodes a multidomain serine protease inhibitor that contains 15 potential inhibitory domains. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate multiple protein products, which may exhibit unique activities and specificities. These proteins may play a role in skin and hair morphogenesis, as well as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial protection of mucous epithelia. Mutations in this gene may result in Netherton syndrome, a disorder characterized by ichthyosis, defective cornification, and atopy. This gene is present in a gene cluster on chromosome 5. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2015],disease:Defects in SPINK5 are the cause of Netherton syndrome (NETH) [MIM:256500]. NETH is an autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis associated with hair shaft abnormalities and anomalies of the immune system. Typical features are ichthyosis linearis circumflexa, ichthyosiform erythroderma, trichorrhexis invaginata (bamboo hair), atopic dermatitis, and hayfever. High postnatal mortality is due to failure to thrive, infections and hypernatremic dehydration.,domain:Contains at least one active inhibitory domain for trypsin (domain 6).,function:Serine protease inhibitor, probably important for the anti-inflammatory and/or antimicrobial protection of mucous epithelia.,online information:SPINK5 mutation db,similarity:Contains 15 Kazal-like domains.,tissue specificity:Highly expressed in the thymus. Also found in the oral mucosa, parathyroid gland, Bartholins glands, tonsils, and vaginal epithelium. Very low levels are detected in lung, kidney, and prostate.,
