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Cysteine cathepsins: From diagnosis to targeted therapy of cancer

Ana Ercegovič Rot1, Matija Hrovatin1, Bor Bokalj1

  • 1Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jamova 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Biochimie
|September 8, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Cysteine cathepsins are key proteases in health and disease. This review highlights their roles in cancer, exploring them as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for personalized oncology.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Cysteine cathepsins are proteolytic enzymes vital to biological processes.
  • Dysregulation of these enzymes is implicated in various diseases, including cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of cysteine cathepsins in cancer biology.
  • To explore their potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of foundational and recent research.
  • Analysis of cysteine cathepsins' involvement in cancer-related mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Cysteine cathepsins influence cancer progression via extracellular matrix degradation, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and apoptosis.
  • Their diverse roles present opportunities for targeted cancer therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Cysteine cathepsins are crucial in cancer development and progression.
  • Further research into cysteine cathepsins can advance personalized medicine and targeted cancer interventions.
Keywords:
Anticancer therapyCancercysteine cathepsindiagnostic imagingproteasetargeted drug delivery

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