Biochem/physiol Actions
Cathepsin D encoded by CTSD gene, is an aspartyl protease, plays a major role in degradation of intracellular and endocytosed protein, for maintenance of tissue homeostasis and metabolism. Cathepsin D works as an endopeptidase in the acidic environment of lysosomes. Cathepsin D is part of signal transduction and a potential target for various cancer. Increased levels of Cathepsin D is associated with type 2 diabetes. Cathepsin D regulates sphingolipid metabolism and cholesterol trafficking. Genetic variations in Cathepsin D gene is a risk factor for Alzheimer′s disease and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Cathepsin D is a key marker in atherosclerosis and level of expression is increased in atherosclerotic lesions. Cathepsin D regulates the degradation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and impaired activity of cathepsin D results in accumulation of AGEs in photoaged skin. Increased plasma concentration of Cathepsin D causes non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) leading to hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation.
