Recombinant Human Cathepsin D/CTSD Protein (His Tag)

Cathepsin D (CTSD); a well known lysosomal aspartyl protease and belongs to the peptidase C1 family; which is a normal and major component of lysosomes; and is found in almost all cells and tissues of mammals. Its mostly described function is intracellular catabolism in lysosomal compartments; other physiological effect include hormone and antigen processing. Cathepsin D has a specificity similar to but narrower than that of pepsin A. Cathepsin D plays an important role in the degradation of proteins; the generation of bioactive proteins; antigen processing; etc. Among different role in cell physiology; a new function of this enzyme is examined. Cathepsin D is an important regulator of apoptotic pathways in cells. It acts at different stage of intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. In addition; CTSD secreted from human prostate carcinoma cells are responsible for the generation of angiostatin; a potent endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis; suggesting its contribution to the prevention of tumor growth and angiogenesis-dependent growth of metastases.