Unveiling the Roles of Cysteine Proteinases F and W: From Structure to Pathological Implications and Therapeutic Targets
Kristina Zdravkova,
Olja Mijanovic,
Ana Brankovic,
Polina M. Ilicheva,
Aleksandra Jakovleva,
Jelena Karanovic,
Milena Pualic,
Dusan Pualic,
Aleksandr A. Rubel,
Lyudmila V. Savvateeva,
Alessandro Parodi,
Andrey A. Zamyatnin
Affiliations
Kristina Zdravkova
AD Alkaloid Skopje, Boulevard Alexander the Great 12, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
Olja Mijanovic
Dia-M, LCC, 7 b.3 Magadanskaya Str., 129345 Moscow, Russia
Ana Brankovic
Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Forensic Sciences and Engineering, University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Cara Dusana 196, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Polina M. Ilicheva
Institute of Chemistry, Saratov State University, Astrakhanskaya Street 83, 410012 Saratov, Russia
Aleksandra Jakovleva
HoxLife Science GmbH, Gutleutstraße 169-171, 60327 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Jelena Karanovic
Laboratory for Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 444A, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Milena Pualic
Institute Cardiovascular Diseases Dedinje, Heroja Milana Tepica 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Dusan Pualic
Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Aleksandr A. Rubel
Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
Lyudmila V. Savvateeva
Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
Alessandro Parodi
Research Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
Andrey A. Zamyatnin
Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
Cysteine cathepsins F and W are members of the papain-like cysteine protease family, which have distinct structural features and functional roles in various physiological and pathological processes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the structure, biological functions, and pathological implications of cathepsins F and W. Beginning with an introduction to these proteases, we delve into their structural characteristics and elucidate their unique features that dictate their enzymatic activities and substrate specificity. We also explore the intricate involvement of cathepsins F and W in malignancies, highlighting their role as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer progression. Furthermore, we discuss the emerging roles of these enzymes in immune response modulation and neurological disorders, shedding light on their implications in autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we review the landscape of inhibitors targeting these proteases, highlighting their therapeutic potential and challenges in clinical translation. This review brings together the diverse facets of cysteine cathepsins F and W, providing insights into their roles in health and disease and guiding future investigations for therapeutic advances.
