KLK7 is a member of the kallikrein subfamily of serine proteases. These enzymes have diverse physiological functions and many kallikreins are biomarkers for cancer. The protein has chymotrypsin-like activity and plays a role in the proteolysis of intercellular cohesive structures that precedes desquamation, the shedding of the outermost layer of the epidermis. KLK7 may play a role in cancer invasion and metastasis, and increased expression of this protein is associated with unfavorable prognosis and progression of several types of cancer.