SPINK1 and pancreatitis: Therefore, pancreatitis is considered to be an autodigestive disorder caused by trypsin auto-activation, which is also supported by numerous mutations in the PRSS1 gene coding for human cationic trypsin (TRY1).2,3 The serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 1 (SPINK1, also known as PSTI or TATI) represents the first line of defense against the trypsin auto-activation cascade by potently binding and inhibiting active trypsin.