Cathepsin: Difference between revisions

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'''Cathepsin''' is a type of [[protein]] that acts as a [[protease]], a type of enzyme that breaks down proteins. There are several types of cathepsins, including cathepsin B, D, and L. These proteins are found in all animals and other organisms, and they play a key role in cellular protein turnover. The term "cathepsin" comes from the Greek word for "to digest."
== Cathepsin ==


== Function ==
[[File:Cathepsin_K_1TU6.png|thumb|right|Structure of Cathepsin K]]


Cathepsins have a vital role in [[protein degradation]], [[apoptosis]], and [[tissue remodeling]]. They are primarily located in the [[lysosome]], an organelle in the cell that digests waste materials and cellular debris. Cathepsins have the ability to break down proteins into their constituent [[amino acids]], which can then be reused by the cell.
'''Cathepsins''' are a group of [[proteolytic enzymes]] that are found in all animals as well as other organisms. They are crucial for the [[degradation]] of proteins and are involved in various cellular processes, including [[protein turnover]], [[antigen presentation]], and [[apoptosis]]. Cathepsins are primarily located in the [[lysosome]]s, where they function optimally at the acidic pH found in these organelles.


== Types ==
== Types of Cathepsins ==


There are several types of cathepsins, each with its own specific function. These include:
Cathepsins are classified into several types based on their [[catalytic mechanism]]: [[cysteine proteases]], [[aspartic proteases]], and [[serine proteases]]. The most studied cathepsins are the cysteine proteases, which include Cathepsin B, Cathepsin L, and Cathepsin K.


* '''[[Cathepsin B]]''': This enzyme can break down proteins and peptides. It is involved in the process of [[inflammation]] and has been linked to the development of [[cancer]].
=== Cathepsin K ===
* '''[[Cathepsin D]]''': This enzyme is involved in protein degradation and is important for the normal functioning of cells. It has been associated with [[breast cancer]] and [[Alzheimer's disease]].
* '''[[Cathepsin L]]''': This enzyme is involved in the process of [[autophagy]], the breakdown and recycling of cellular components. It has been linked to diseases such as [[cancer]] and [[rheumatoid arthritis]].


== Clinical significance ==
Cathepsin K is a cysteine protease that is highly expressed in [[osteoclast]]s, the cells responsible for bone resorption. It plays a critical role in the degradation of [[collagen]] and other components of the [[bone matrix]]. Due to its function, Cathepsin K is a target for the treatment of [[osteoporosis]] and other bone-related diseases.


Abnormal levels of cathepsins have been linked to a variety of diseases, including cancer, [[cardiovascular disease]], and [[neurodegenerative diseases]]. For example, overexpression of cathepsin B has been observed in many types of cancer, and it is thought to contribute to tumor progression. Similarly, cathepsin D has been implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
== Function and Mechanism ==


== See also ==
Cathepsins are synthesized as inactive [[zymogens]] and are activated by proteolytic cleavage. Once activated, they degrade proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. This process is essential for the recycling of cellular components and the regulation of various physiological processes.
 
== Clinical Significance ==
 
Dysregulation of cathepsin activity is associated with several diseases, including [[cancer]], [[arthritis]], and [[neurodegenerative disorders]]. In cancer, cathepsins can contribute to [[tumor invasion]] and [[metastasis]] by degrading the [[extracellular matrix]]. In arthritis, they are involved in the breakdown of [[cartilage]].
 
== Related Pages ==


* [[Protease]]
* [[Protease]]
* [[Lysosome]]
* [[Lysosome]]
* [[Protein degradation]]
* [[Osteoclast]]
* [[Apoptosis]]
* [[Collagen]]
* [[Tissue remodeling]]
 
== References ==


<references />
[[Category:Proteins]]
[[Category:Enzymes]]
[[Category:Enzymes]]
[[Category:Cell biology]]
[[Category:Proteases]]
[[Category:Medical terminology]]
 
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Latest revision as of 10:49, 15 February 2025

Cathepsin[edit]

Structure of Cathepsin K

Cathepsins are a group of proteolytic enzymes that are found in all animals as well as other organisms. They are crucial for the degradation of proteins and are involved in various cellular processes, including protein turnover, antigen presentation, and apoptosis. Cathepsins are primarily located in the lysosomes, where they function optimally at the acidic pH found in these organelles.

Types of Cathepsins[edit]

Cathepsins are classified into several types based on their catalytic mechanism: cysteine proteases, aspartic proteases, and serine proteases. The most studied cathepsins are the cysteine proteases, which include Cathepsin B, Cathepsin L, and Cathepsin K.

Cathepsin K[edit]

Cathepsin K is a cysteine protease that is highly expressed in osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone resorption. It plays a critical role in the degradation of collagen and other components of the bone matrix. Due to its function, Cathepsin K is a target for the treatment of osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases.

Function and Mechanism[edit]

Cathepsins are synthesized as inactive zymogens and are activated by proteolytic cleavage. Once activated, they degrade proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. This process is essential for the recycling of cellular components and the regulation of various physiological processes.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Dysregulation of cathepsin activity is associated with several diseases, including cancer, arthritis, and neurodegenerative disorders. In cancer, cathepsins can contribute to tumor invasion and metastasis by degrading the extracellular matrix. In arthritis, they are involved in the breakdown of cartilage.

Related Pages[edit]