Invitrogen™ Human Cathepsin D ELISA Kit

Cathepsin D is a gene located on chromosome 11p15.5 that encodes a lysosomal aspartic protease involved in the degradation of proteins. This enzyme is widely expressed in various tissues but is particularly abundant in the liver, kidneys, and brain, where it plays a crucial role in intracellular protein catabolism and turnover. Cathepsin D is synthesized as an inactive precursor, procathepsin D, which is activated in the acidic environment of lysosomes. Beyond its fundamental role in protein degradation, Cathepsin D has been implicated in several physiological and pathological processes, including apoptosis, hormone processing, and antigen presentation. Dysregulation of Cathepsin D expression or activity is associated with various diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. In the context of cancer, Cathepsin D overexpression has been linked to tumor progression and metastasis, making it a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. Research continues to explore its diverse biological functions and therapeutic implications in various medical conditions.