643394n/aENSG00000204909n/aQ5DT21n/aNM_001040433n/aNP_001035523n/aLympho-epithelial Kazal-type related inhibitor 2 (LEKTI-2) is a protein encoded by the SPINK9 gene in humans.

SPINK9 is a member of a gene family cluster located on chromosome 5q33.1, which includes SPINK5 and SPINK6.

In acral (palm and sole) skin, where desquamation needs to be delayed, SPINK9 expression is strongly upregulated.

[4] The resulting high level of LEKTI-2 delays corneodesmosome degradation, thereby allowing the epidermis to form a thick protective stratum corneum layer.

[4] SPINK9 is overexpressed in lichen simplex chronicus, actinic keratosis, and squamous cell carcinoma.