CST3 : cystatin C
Description
The CST3 (cystatin C) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 20.
The CST3 gene provides instructions for making the cystatin C protein, which is part of a family called cysteine protease inhibitors. These proteins control chemical reactions by blocking the activity of certain enzymes, specifically cathepsins. Cathepsins are responsible for breaking down other proteins, and cystatin C prevents this by inhibiting their activity. Cystatin C is found in bodily fluids, with especially high levels in cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.
CST3 is also known as ARMD11, HEL-S-2.
Associated Diseases
- Macular degeneration, age-related, 11
- ACys amyloidosis
- Amyloidosis VI
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Hereditary cerebral amyloid angiopathy
