Cathepsin B Latest News
Researchers at the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) found that reducing the activity of a cellular protein called ‘Cathepsin B’ (Cat B) helps preserve the ovarian reserve.
About Cathepsin B
- It is a lysosomal cysteine protease.
- It is primarily localized within subcellular endosomal and lysosomal compartments. It is involved in the turnover of intracellular and extracellular proteins.
- It is integrated into almost all lysosome-related processes, including protein turnover, degradation, lysosome-mediated cell death, antigen processing, and apoptosis
- It degrades extracellular matrix proteins like collagen and fibronectin.
- Role in Disease: It is involved in neuropathological and neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and traumatic brain injury.
What is Ovarian Reserve?
- This ovarian reserve is the finite pool of egg cells (oocytes) that female mammals are born with. Unlike sperm, these crucial egg cells cannot be regenerated.
- Over time, the quantity and quality of these eggs naturally decline due to factors like oxidative stress, inflammation and general cellular wear.
- This process accelerates with age. ‘Cat B,’ a protein-degrading enzyme, seems to be a key driver of this decline.
- By lowering its levels, we may be able to delay egg loss, effectively extending fertility naturally.
Source: TH
Cathepsin B FAQs
Q1: What is the function of cathepsin B?
Ans: It functions in intracellular protein catabolism and in certain situations may also be involved in other physiological processes.
Q2: What is the deficiency of cathepsin B?
Ans: Cathepsin B deficiency ameliorates liver lipid deposition, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis after diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
