Lysosmal Cysteine Proteases

Abstract Lysosomal cysteine proteinases are proteolytic enzymes with a cysteine residue in the active site, which degrade proteins taken up by the cell or originating in other cell compartments. They catalyze the hydrolysis of peptide, amide, ester, and thiol bonds, dependent on pH and the presence of reducing compounds. This new volume in the protein profile series examines each known cathepsin in turn, examining gene structure and localization; precursors, purification, activation, and inhibition; and hydrolysis of synthetic substrates, polypeptides, and proteins. Other topics include structures and evolution, reaction with inhibitors, and physiological functions of lysosomal cysteine proteinases and their role in disease. The book also includes an extensive bibliography to assist the reader in further research.