The therapeutic potential of the calpain family: new aspects.
The calpain family is a group of cysteine proteases unique in their dependency on calcium to attain functionally active forms. Calpains are involved in a wide range of cellular calcium-regulated functions, including signal transduction, cell proliferation and differentiation, and apoptosis. Moreover, altered calpain activity has been observed in several human diseases. Specific calpain inhibitors hold promise for the treatment of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases in which calpains have been shown to be upregulated (e.g. Parkinson's disease and Duchenne muscular dystrophy). Conversely, calpain activators could be a useful approach for those diseases where reduced calpain activity has been observed, such as type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Saez
Maria E
ME
Department of Structural Genomics, Neocodex, Centro de Negocios Charles Darwin s/n, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092-Sevilla, Spain. mesaez@neocodex.es
Ramirez-Lorca
Reposo
R
Moron
Francisco J
FJ
Ruiz
Agustin
A
D000818:Animals; D002154:Calpain / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism*; D015853:Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans
D015853:Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors; D002154:Calpain