St14-flox Mouse

ST14, also known as CAP3, encodes matriptase, a trypsin-like protease and a member of the type II transmembrane serine protease family. It is involved in processes such as epidermal differentiation, epithelial cell integrity, and vascular endothelial cell migration. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways analysis show that ST14 and its related genes are enriched in epithelial formation, intercellular adhesion, protein localization, and mitosis regulation [1].

In a study on ovarian cancer, high expression of ST14 and TMEFF1 predicted higher tumor malignancy and worse prognosis. ST14 and TMEFF1 co-localize and interact, and ST14 can regulate TMEFF1 expression to promote ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion [1].

In CAP3/St14 knockout mice, there is a significant decrease in CAP1/Prss8 protein expression, altered ENaC subunit and decreased pNCC protein abundances, indicating ST14 is not required for direct proteolytic activation of ENaC but for its protein abundance [2].

In conclusion, ST14 plays a crucial role in multiple biological processes and disease conditions. Its functions in promoting ovarian cancer cell behaviors and regulating ENaC subunit abundances are revealed through model-based research. The study of ST14 knockout mouse models contributes to understanding its role in ovarian cancer and renal sodium balance-related diseases.