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Cathepsin D as a Promising Target for the Discovery of Novel Anticancer Agents

Vijaya Dubey1, Suaib Luqman2

  • 1Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Molecular Bioprospection Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow-226015, Uttar Pradesh. India.

Current Cancer Drug Targets
|February 21, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cathepsin D (CATD) is a key enzyme in cellular processes and cancer progression. Targeting CATD with natural products shows promise for cancer chemoprevention and therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Cathepsin D (CATD) is an aspartyl endoproteinase involved in various physiological processes, including protein breakdown, growth factor activation, and apoptosis.
  • CATD plays a significant role in pathological conditions such as Atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's, and various cancers, particularly breast and hormone-dependent cancers.
  • Inactive proCATD undergoes cleavage in an acidic environment to become functionally active.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structural, functional, and regulatory aspects of Cathepsin D (CATD) in cancer.
  • To highlight the role of CATD in key cancer processes like angiogenesis, metastasis, invasion, and apoptosis.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting CATD, including chemoprevention with natural products.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Sci-finder, and other search engines.
  • Relevant information on Cathepsin D and its role in cancer was gathered and analyzed.
  • The review synthesizes current knowledge on CATD's structure, function, regulation, and therapeutic implications in cancer.

Main Results:

  • Cathepsin D (CATD) is implicated in cancer progression through its involvement in angiogenesis, metastasis, invasion, and apoptosis.
  • CATD is recognized as a significant marker and therapeutic target in various cancers.
  • Natural products demonstrate potential benefits in targeting CATD for cancer chemoprevention.

Conclusions:

  • Cathepsin D (CATD) is a crucial enzyme with a multifaceted role in cancer development and progression.
  • Targeting CATD presents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment and prevention.
  • Further research into CATD-targeting natural products could lead to novel chemopreventive agents.
Keywords:
Aspartic proteaseapoptosiscancercathepsin Dchemopreventionnatural products

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