Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Evaluating Cell Death Signaling by Immunofluorescence in a Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke
Published on: January 3, 2025
Regulatory role of cathepsin D in apoptosis
Alina Minarowska1, Lukasz Minarowski, Alicja Karwowska
13rd Department of Children's Diseases, Medical University of Białystok, Poland. minar@mp.pl
Abstract:
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.
Related Concept Videos
Caspases
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Apoptosis
Autophagic Cell Death
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy

