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Pleiotropic effects of cathepsin D.
Aruna Vashishta1, Sujata Saraswat Ohri, Vaclav Vetvicka
1Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders Drug Targets
|October 8, 2009
Summary
Cathepsin D (CD) is vital beyond cell death, impacting tissue repair and disease. Its secreted form, procathepsin D (pCD), drives cancer invasion and metastasis, making it a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Lysosomal enzymes, including Cathepsin D (CD), have roles beyond non-specific degradation.
- CD is crucial for postnatal tissue homeostasis and remodeling.
- Mutations in CD are linked to neural ceroid lipofuscinosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse roles of Cathepsin D (CD) in physiological and pathological conditions.
- To highlight the function of procathepsin D (pCD) in cancer progression.
- To discuss CD as a potential anti-cancer therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Cathepsin D (CD) function.
- Analysis of knockout mouse models.
- Examination of clinical data linking pCD/CD to cancer prognosis.
Main Results:
- CD plays a key role in tissue homeostasis and apoptosis regulation.
- Secreted procathepsin D (pCD) promotes cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
- pCD/CD is an independent prognostic factor in various cancers.
Conclusions:
- Cathepsin D (CD) has multifaceted roles in health and disease.
- Procathepsin D (pCD) represents a promising target for anti-cancer therapies.
- Further research into CD's functions can lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
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