S100A7

S100A7, also known as psoriasin, is a member of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins. These proteins are characterized by two EF-hand calcium-binding motifs. S100A7 is a small, acidic protein with a molecular weight of approximately 11 kDa.

It is primarily expressed in epithelial cells, and its expression is significantly upregulated in inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis. Due to its increased expression in psoriasis, it was originally named psoriasin.

The biological functions of S100A7 are diverse and can depend on the cellular context. It is implicated in chemotaxis, cell proliferation, and inflammation. It acts as a chemoattractant for immune cells, including neutrophils and T lymphocytes, thereby contributing to the inflammatory response. S100A7 can also interact with the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), further stimulating inflammatory pathways.

Elevated levels of S100A7 have been found in various cancers, including breast cancer, where it has been associated with tumor progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis. Its role in cancer is complex, and its effects can vary depending on the specific cancer type.

S100A7 has potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in inflammatory skin diseases and certain cancers. Further research is ongoing to fully elucidate its mechanisms of action and its potential for clinical applications.