Members of the serine protease family play a role in carefully controlled
processes, such as blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, complement
activation, fertilization, and hormone production. The enzymatic activity
of the serine proteases is regulated in part by serpins, serine protease
inhibitors. Serpin dysfunction is associated with various disorders,
including emphysema, blood clotting disorders, cirrhosis, Alzheimer
disease, and Parkinson disease. Zserp11 is a new member of the serine
protease inhibitor family.