Biochem/physiol Actions

Cathepsin B has been found to cleave procaspase 1 and procaspase 11 and to induce apoptosis in digitonin-permeabilized cells. Translocation of cathepsin B from the cytoplasm to the nucleus contributes to bile salt induced apoptosis of rat hepatocytes. Levels of cathepsin B in PC12 cells significantly decrease 12 to 24 hours after apoptosis is induced.

Cathepsin B preferentially cleaves at the caboxyl side of Arg-Arg bonds in small molecule substrates. Cathepsin B has been shown to degrade β-amyloid precursor protein into harmless fragments . Cathepsin B inhibition has been shown to limit bone metastasis in breast cancer .

包装

2, 10 units in serum bottle

Preparation Note

Dissolves in water at 1 mg/mL concentration, yieliding a clear solution.

Unit Definition

One unit will liberate 1 nanomole of 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin from Z-Arg-Arg 7-amido-4-methylcoumarin per min at pH 6.0 at 40 °C.

Physical form

Lyophilized powder containing phosphate buffer salts

Application

Cathepsin B is a lysosomal cysteine proteinase which hydrolyzes proteins with a broad specificity for peptide bonds. Cathepsin B may be a useful tool in Alzheimer’s research, as it may have a role in the natural defense against the disease . Cathepsin B may be used to cleave procaspase 1 and procaspase 11, and to induce apoptosis in digitonin-permeabilized cells.