KLK15 alters connective tissues in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is a debilitating multisystem condition characterized by joint hypermobility, chronic pain, and diverse comorbidities, yet its genetic basis remains undefined. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) of 200 patients with hEDS revealed rare and low frequency variants in 14 of 15 kallikrein (KLK) genes, including a recurrent KLK15 missense variant (p.Gly226Asp) segregating in multiple families. KLK15, a secreted serine protease, is expressed in connective and immune tissues and interacts with extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including fibronectin and lysyl oxidase (LOX). A KLK15 knock-in mouse model recapitulated hEDS features in tendons and cardiac valves and exhibited dysregulated cytokine profiles. The variant altered KLK15 and LOX compartmentalization

SUBMITTER: Gensemer C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12424230 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature