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Updated: May 12, 2026
11:37
Measuring Calpain Activity in Fixed and Living Cells by Flow Cytometry
Published on: July 8, 2010
[The physiological and pathological function of Ca(2 +) -dependent cysteine protease (Calpain) ]
Yoko Sakamoto1, Hiroshi Akazawa, Issei Komuro
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
Clinical Calcium
|April 3, 2013
Summary
Calpains are calcium-dependent proteases involved in cardiovascular diseases. This review summarizes their physiological roles and pathological involvement in heart conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cardiovascular Science
Context:
- Calpains are Ca(2+)-dependent cysteine proteases with 15 mammalian gene products.
- Calpain 1 and Calpain 2 are widely expressed and extensively studied.
- Calpastatin is an endogenous inhibitor that regulates calpain activity under physiological conditions.
Purpose:
- To summarize the physiological functions of calpains in the cardiovascular system.
- To elucidate the pathological roles of calpains in cardiovascular diseases.
- To highlight the involvement of calpains in disease pathogenesis through protein degradation.
Summary:
- Calpains are activated during various cardiovascular diseases.
- Activated calpains contribute to disease pathogenesis by degrading numerous target proteins.
- Understanding calpain regulation and function is crucial for cardiovascular disease research.
Impact:
- Provides a concise overview of calpain's dual role in cardiovascular health and disease.
- Highlights calpains as potential therapeutic targets for cardiovascular conditions.
- Facilitates further research into the specific mechanisms of calpain action in heart diseases.
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