CTSD : cathepsin D
Description
The CTSD (cathepsin D) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 11.
The CTSD gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called cathepsin D. Cathepsin D is one of a family of cathepsin proteins that act as protease enzymes, which modify proteins by cutting them apart. Cathepsin D is found in many types of cells and is active in lysosomes, which are compartments within cells that digest and recycle different types of molecules. By cutting proteins apart, cathepsin D can break down certain proteins, turn on (activate) other proteins, and regulate self-destruction of the cell (apoptosis). Cathepsin D is produced as an inactive enzyme, called a preproenzyme, which has extra protein segments attached. These segments must be removed, followed by additional processing steps, for the enzyme to become active. The mature, active cathepsin D enzyme is made up of two parts, one light chain and one heavy chain.
Cathepsin D is an acid protease that breaks down proteins within cells. It plays a role in processing amyloid precursor protein (APP), leading to its degradation after cleavage and activation by ADAM30. This protein is associated with the development of several diseases, including breast cancer and potentially Alzheimer's disease.
CTSD is also known as CLN10, CPSD, HEL-S-130P.
