cathepsin

cathepsin

 [kah-thep´sin]

an endopeptidase found in most cells, which takes part in cell autolysis and self-digestion of tissues.

ca·thep·sin

(kă-thep'sin),

One of a number of intracellular proteinases and peptidases (all endopeptidases) of animal tissues of varying specificities.

cathepsin

/ca·thep·sin/ (kah-thep´sin) one of a number of enzymes each of which catalyzes the hydrolytic cleavage of specific peptide bonds.

cathepsin

(kə-thĕp′sĭn)

n.

Any of various enzymes found in animal tissue that catalyze the hydrolysis of proteins into smaller proteins.

cathepsin

Any ENZYME that acts to split the interior PEPTIDE bonds of a protein, causing its decomposition.

cathepsin

or

kathepsin

the intracellular, proteolytic enzymes that bring about AUTOLYSIS.

cathepsin

a proteinase found in most cells, which takes part in cell autolysis and self-digestion of tissues.

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cathepsin D

an acid hydrolase isolated from cartilage which plays a part in the endogenous degradation of proteoglycans in degenerative diseases of joints.