Procathepsin E/ Cathepsin E, human recombinant

Cathepsin E (EC: 3.4.23.34) (CTSE) is an intracellular gastric aspartyl protease. It was originally identified as a cathepsin D-like acid protease. It is active in acidic conditions in a pH range from 2.5 to 5.5. In vitro experiments have identified several CTSE substrates including insulin beta chain, neurokinin, and FGF. Although the function of CTSE is not completely understood, it has been implicated in several physiological and pathological processes. CTSE is required for antigen presentation on class II MHC molecules. CTSE-deficient macrophages show abnormalities such as autophagy. Like many other cathepsins, CTSE has emerged as a therapy target for cancers, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In addition to PDAC, CTSE is also overexpressed in gastric carcinomas and cervical and lung adenocarcinomas. The possible involvement of CTSE in neurodegeneration has also been reported. This protease has a specificity similar to that of pepsin A and cathepsin D. It is found in highest concentration in the surface of epithelial mucus-producing cells of the stomach. It is found in more than half of gastric cancers.