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Related Concept Videos

Caspases01:24

Caspases

Caspase, a family of cysteine proteases, serve as effectors in apoptosis. The ced3 gene in C.elegans was first identified to be involved in apoptosis. This gene encodes the ced-3 caspase that is similar to the interleukin-1-beta converting enzyme or ICE in mammals. In addition to apoptosis, caspases also function in the inflammatory response. Inflammatory caspases are essential in activating pro-inflammatory cytokines that recruit immune cells and block the replication of pathogens inside cells.
Catenins01:23

Catenins

Catenins are characterized by multiple binding domains and dynamic structures that allow them to function as linker proteins in cell junction complexes. All catenins, except α-catenin, contain a characteristic protein sequence called the armadillo repeat and are therefore also called armadillo proteins.
Catenins in Cell Junctions
Catenins bind to cell adhesion molecules such as cadherins and link them to different cytoskeletal proteins depending on the type of cell junction. At the adherens...
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules01:31

Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules

Immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules or Ig-CAMs are a versatile group of cell surface glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin protein superfamily. Ig-CAMs possess the characteristic immunoglobulin protein domains and other domains such as the fibronectin type III domain. The Ig domains are glycosylated to varying degrees in different Ig-CAMs.
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
Tight Junctions01:29

Tight Junctions

Tight junctions are molecular seals between cells that prevent the leaking of fluids, ions, and other small solutes across cavities and compartments in multicellular organisms. They are mainly composed of claudin and occludin transmembrane proteins, and other proteins such as tricellulin and JAM (junctional adhesion molecule). All these proteins are 4-pass transmembrane proteins, except JAM, which is a single-pass transmembrane protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. The...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...

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Updated: May 14, 2026

The Importance of Correct Protein Concentration for Kinetics and Affinity Determination in Structure-function Analysis
19:16

The Importance of Correct Protein Concentration for Kinetics and Affinity Determination in Structure-function Analysis

Published on: March 17, 2010

Cystatins in immune system.

Spela Magister1, Janko Kos

  • 11. Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Biotechnology, Ljubljana, Slovenia;

Journal of Cancer
|February 7, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Cystatins, protein inhibitors, have diverse roles beyond inhibiting proteases. This review explores their dual function in cancer, highlighting how imbalances with cathepsins may impact immune cells and promote tumor invasion.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Cystatins are a protein superfamily initially known as cysteine protease inhibitors.
  • Recent research suggests cystatins have diverse biological functions beyond inhibition.
  • They are classified into three families: stefins (I), cystatins (II), and kininogens (III).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on type I (stefins A, B) and type II cystatins (C, F, E/M) in pathological conditions.
  • To emphasize their suppressive or promotional roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis.
  • To explore the link between cystatin-cathepsin imbalance and immune cell function in cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on cystatins and their roles in diseases.
Keywords:
cathepsincystatindisease.immune cellsinhibitorproteaseproteolytic activitystefintumor

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  • Analysis of cystatin expression patterns and functions in various cell types and tissues.
  • Examination of the interplay between cystatins, cathepsins, and immune responses in cancer.

    • Main Results:

    • Stefin A is linked to epithelial neoplastic changes; stefin B is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.
    • Cystatin C is widely expressed; Cystatin F is specific to immune cells, influencing dendritic cell maturation and NK cell activity.
    • Cystatin E/M is crucial in skin biology.
    • Imbalances between cathepsins and cystatins may impair immune cell function and promote tumor invasion.

    Conclusions:

    • Cystatins exhibit context-dependent roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis.
    • Dysregulation of cystatin-cathepsin balance can significantly impact cancer progression by affecting immune surveillance and invasion.
    • Further research into cystatin functions is crucial for understanding and potentially targeting cancer.