Merck, C8696-25UG, Cathepsin D from human liver

General description
Cathepsin D is an aspartic protease, which is located in lysosomes. It is involved in protein catabolism and maintains hormone and antigen processing. Cathepsin D is implicated in neoplasia and neurodegenerative changes. It regulates lysosomal proteolysis and endogenous fibrinolysis.
Application
Cathepsin D from human liver has been used:
in β-secretase activity assay
for enzymatic degradation of amyloid β 1-42
in microinjection of human foreskin fibroblasts

Biochem/physiol Actions
Cathepsin D is an endosomal-lysosomal aspartic protease implicated in breast cancer metastasis and Alzheimer′s disease. Lysosomal release of cathepsin D has been found to precede cytochrome c release and loss of membrane potential in apoptotic human foreskin fibroblasts. Cathepsin D levels in PC12 cells increase 12 to 24 hours after apoptosis is induced.
Endosomal-lysosomal aspartic protease implicated in breast cancer metastasis and Alzheimer′s disease. Lysosomal release of cathepsin D has been found to precede cytochrome c release and loss of membrane potential in apoptotic human foreskin fibroblasts.
Physical form
Powder containing sodium phosphate buffer salt.
Other Notes
Contains α, β and γ isoenzymes as observed by isoelectric-focusing.
One unit will produce an increase in A280 of 1.0 in 30 min at pH 3.3 at 37 °C measured as TCA-soluble products using acid-denatured hemoglobin as substrate (1 cm light path).