Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica (Oct 2007)

Regulatory role of cathepsin D in apoptosis.

  • Marek Gacko,
  • Alicja Karwowska,
  • Lukasz Minarowski,
  • Alina Minarowska

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5603/4519
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 45, no. 3
pp. 159 – 163

Abstract

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Cathepsin D (CTSD, EC 3.4.23.5) is well known aspartyl protease. Among different role in cell physiology, a new function of this enzyme is examined. Cathepsin D is an important regulator of apoptotic pathways in cells. It acts at different stage of intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Cathepsin D can either induce apoptosis in presence of cytotoxic factors, but in certain studies an inhibitory role in apoptosis was also reviewed. Detailed review of involvement of cathepsin D in cell apoptosis is a purpose of this paper.