Recombinant Mouse Cathepsin E (CTSE) (carrier-free)
Description
Cathepsin E (CTSE) is an intracellular aspartic protease that was originally identified as a cathepsin D-like acid protease. CTSE and CTSD have similar substrate specificities and CTSE is active in acidic conditions in a pH range from 2.5 to 5.5. In vitro experiments have identified several CTSE substrates including the insulin beta chain, neurokinin, and FGF. Although the function of CTSE is not completely understood, it has been implicated in several physiological and pathological processes. CTSE is required for antigen presentation on class II MHC molecules and subsequently, CTSE-deficient mice have increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. CTSE-deficient macrophages also show abnormalities, such as autophagy. Like many other cathepsins, CTSE has emerged as a therapy target for cancers such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Additionally to PDAC, CTSE is also overexpressed in gastric carcinomas and cervical and lung adenocarcinomas. The possible involvement of CTSE in neurodegeneration has also been reported.