Background information
Serine protease which is capable of degrading a number of proteins such as casein, fibrinogen, kininogen, fibronectin and collagen type IV. Also cleaves L1CAM in response to increased neural activity. Induces neurite outgrowth and fasciculation of cultured hippocampal neurons. Plays a role in the formation and maturation of orphan and small synaptic boutons in the Schaffer-collateral pathway, regulates Schaffer-collateral long-term potentiation in the hippocampus and is required for memory acquisition and synaptic plasticity. Involved in skin desquamation and keratinocyte proliferation. Plays a role in the secondary phase of pathogenesis following spinal cord injury.
