SPINK is the acronym for "Serine Peptidase Inhibitor Kazal" and comprises a gene family placed on different chromosomes. The members of this gene family code for the specific proteases, the Kazal-type SPINK protease inhibitor family (SPINK). These are serine peptidase inhibitors. They contain at least one inhibitory Kazal domain. This domain binds to its target, the serine proteases, and inhibits their proteolytic functions. This regulatory inhibitory function and its fine-tuning is fundamental for many epithelia.
The SPINK13 gene, located on chromosome 5q32, encodes Spink13 a Kazal-type serine protease inhibitor of the SPINK family). Spink13 is essential for acrosomal integrity and male fertility. Its human significance is unclear.