=====Cathepsin=====

Cathepsins (Ancient Greek kata- "down" and hepsein "boil"; abbreviated CTS) are [[protease]]s (enzymes that degrade proteins) found in all animals as well as other organisms. There are approximately a dozen members of this family, which are distinguished by their structure, catalytic mechanism, and which proteins they cleave. Most of the members become activated at the low pH found in [[lysosome]]s. Thus, the activity of this family lies almost entirely within those [[organelle]]s. There are, however, exceptions such as [[cathepsin K]], which works extracellularly after secretion by [[osteoclast]]s in bone resorption.

Cathepsins have a vital role in mammalian cellular turnover, e.g. bone resorption. They degrade [[polypeptide]]s and are distinguished by their substrate specificities.

see [[Cathepsin B]]

see [[Cathepsin C]]