CATHEPSIN C Meaning and
Definition
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Cathepsin C is an enzyme that belongs to the family of peptidases and plays a crucial role in various biological processes. It is primarily known for its involvement in immune system functions, particularly in the activation of immune cells and the regulation of inflammation.
Cathepsin C is located in lysosomes, which are membrane-bound compartments within cells responsible for the degradation and recycling of various cellular components. It is synthesized as an inactive proenzyme and requires proteolytic cleavage to become active. Once activated, cathepsin C functions as a dipeptidyl peptidase, meaning it catalyzes the cleavage of peptide bonds involving two amino acids.
In the immune system, cathepsin C is essential for the activation of certain immune cells, such as neutrophils and cytotoxic T cells. It is responsible for processing and activating specific enzymes called serine proteases that play a crucial role in the immune response by degrading foreign pathogens, such as bacteria. Deficiencies or mutations in cathepsin C have been associated with certain inherited disorders that affect immune cell function, leading to impaired immune responses.
Furthermore, cathepsin C has been implicated in the regulation of inflammatory processes. It can activate certain proinflammatory molecules, such as cytokines, and contribute to the recruitment of immune cells to the site of inflammation. Consequently, modulating cathepsin C activity has been explored as a potential therapeutic target for various inflammatory diseases.
In summary, cathepsin C is an enzyme involved in immune cell activation and the regulation of inflammation. Its functions are crucial for maintaining a properly functioning immune system and defending the body against pathogens.
Common Misspellings for CATHEPSIN C
- xathepsin c
- vathepsin c
- fathepsin c
- dathepsin c
- czthepsin c
- csthepsin c
- cwthepsin c
- cqthepsin c
- carhepsin c
- cafhepsin c
- caghepsin c
- cayhepsin c
- ca6hepsin c
- ca5hepsin c
- catgepsin c
- catbepsin c
- catnepsin c
- catjepsin c
- catuepsin c
- catyepsin c
Etymology of CATHEPSIN C
The word "Cathepsin C" is derived from the combining of two parts: "Cathepsin" and "C".
"Cathepsin" is derived from the Greek roots "katha" meaning "down" or "according to", and "psin" meaning "to digest". In biology, "cathepsins" refer to a group of proteolytic enzymes involved in the breakdown of proteins.
The letter "C" in "Cathepsin C" stands for "Cysteine", which is one of the primary amino acids present in the active site of this enzyme. Cysteine cathepsins are a class of protein-degrading enzymes that contain a cysteine residue in their active site.
Therefore, "Cathepsin C" refers to a specific cysteine protease enzyme involved in protein degradation.
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