Cathepsin B from human placenta

Description:
Cathepsin B is a proteinase that is found in the synaptic vesicles of neurons. Cathepsin B is involved in the degradation of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. It also participates in autophagy, which is the process by which cells degrade their own components. Cathepsin B has been shown to be elevated in Alzheimer’s disease and mixed dementia patients. This proteinase is released from lysosomes into the extracellular space and can be detected by immunohistochemical staining with antibodies against vinyl groups. The alkene bond of cathepsin B can be cleaved by vinyl groups to form a reactive intermediate that can bind to membranes and disrupt them.