S100A7

S100 calcium-binding protein A7 (S100A7), also known as psoriasin, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the S100A7 gene. S100A7 is a member of the S100 family of proteins containing 2 EF-hand calcium-binding motifs. S100 proteins are localized in the cytoplasm and/or nucleus of a wide range of cells, and involved in the regulation of a number of cellular processes such as cell cycle progression and differentiation. S100 genes include at least 13 members which are located as a cluster on chromosome 1q21. This protein differs from the other S100 proteins of known structure in its lack of calcium binding ability in one EF-hand at the N-terminus. The protein functions as a prominent antimicrobial peptide mainly against E. coli. S100A7 also displays antimicrobial properties. It is secreted by epithelial cells of the skin and is a key antimicrobial protein against Escherichia Coli by disrupting their cell membranes.