Cathepsin B

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

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