Enzyme
cathepsin
[ kuh-thep-sin ]
Definitions related to cathepsins:
  • Lysosomal proteinases or endopeptidases that function optimally at an acidic pH to catalyze the hydrolysis of peptidic bonds. Elevated cathepsin enzyme activity in either serum or extracellular matrix is often indicative of pathological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, several types of cancer, arthritis, and osteoporosis.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • A group of lysosomal proteinases or endopeptidases found in aqueous extracts of a variety of animal tissues. They function optimally within an acidic pH range. The cathepsins occur as a variety of enzyme subtypes including SERINE PROTEASES; ASPARTIC PROTEINASES; and CYSTEINE PROTEASES.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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