溶酶体蛋白酶cathepsin L与神经退行性疾病

Relationship between Cathepsin L and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Cathepsin L是一种广泛存在的嗜酸性溶酶体蛋白水解酶,属于半胱氨酸蛋白酶家族成员之一。主要定位于溶酶体,参与机体很多重要的生理过程。但是其表达、分布以及活性的变化又与很多疾病有关。研究证明,cathepsin L既可以参与神经元的凋亡或者自噬,又可以介导小胶质细胞激活所诱发的炎症反应,还可以调节其他重要蛋白,从而间接在神经退行性疾病中发挥作用。本文就溶酶体蛋白cathepsin L与神经退行性疾病的关系作一综述。

Cathepsin L is a widespread eosinophilic lysosomal proteolytie enzyme, belonging to a member of the cysteine protease family, which is mainly located in lysosomes and involved in many important physiological processes. Its abnormal expression, distribution and activity are involved in lots of diseases. It have been shown that not only cathepsin L can participate in neuronal apoptosis or autophagy, but also can mediate inflammation caused by activated microglia. Cathepsin L can also regulate other important proteins, thus play a role in neurodegenerative diseases. The relationship between cathepsin L and neurodegenerative diseases was reviewed here.