Cathepsins in Neurological Diseases

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cathepsins are lysosomal proteases vital for cellular homeostasis.
• In the central nervous system (CNS), they influence neuroinflammation, synaptic remodeling, and neurodegeneration.
• Microglial cathepsins are increasingly implicated in neurological disorder pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the involvement of cathepsins in various CNS diseases.
• To highlight their roles in key pathological processes.
• To discuss their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current knowledge on cathepsins in CNS diseases.
• Synthesis of findings on cathepsin involvement in Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, MS, ALS, epilepsy, Huntington's, and stroke.
• Analysis of cathepsin roles in α-synuclein and amyloid-β clearance, tau degradation, and neuroinflammation.

Main Results:

• Cathepsins modulate critical pathological processes in neurodegenerative and neurological disorders.
• Specific cathepsins exhibit both neuroprotective and pathogenic effects depending on the disease context.
• The balance between cathepsins and inhibitors like cystatins is crucial for CNS pathology.

Conclusions:

• Cathepsins are significant players in the pathophysiology of diverse neurological diseases.
• They represent promising targets for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
• Further research is needed to elucidate their precise roles and regulation for novel treatment development.