title: Cystatins--inhibitors of cysteine proteinases.
abstract: The cystatin superfamily of proteins, derived from a common ancestor, is comprised of a diverse group of potent cysteine proteinase inhibitors and antibacterial/viral agents grouped into several families. This review concentrates on family 2 cystatins, namely, the human salivary cystatins and cystatin C. Emphasis is given to their physicochemical and functional properties at both the protein and the molecular level. The role of cystatins in disease processes, including those in the oral cavity, is also discussed. Finally, future directions for cystatin research in oral biology are presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York, Buffalo 14214.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Bobek
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Levine
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D055316:Cystatin C; D015891:Cystatins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D015853:Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: C525030:CST3 protein, human; D055316:Cystatin C; D015891:Cystatins; D015853:Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides