Cathepsin

Cathepsins are proteases that aid in several metabolic processes within many organisms. There are many members in the family, including cathepsins A, B, D, K, S, and V, each varying in structure and function. Most are found within organelles, but there are exceptions, such as cathepsin K. Some tissue-specific cathepsins have also been reported. They aid in digestion, blood coagulation, bone resorption, ion channel activity, immunity, apoptosis, and many other pathways. Cathepsin A is thought to inhibit autophagy and has been associated with conditions such as muscular dystrophy. Cathepsin B is believed to promote amyloid plaque and enable virus entry into cells. It is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Cathepsin K is involved in bone resorption and is associated with arthritis and osteoporosis. Browse the products below to find the cathepsin that best suits your research needs and visit the supplier page for more information, including units of enzyme activity.