title: [Cystatins: biological role and changes in pathology].
abstract: Cystatins are new recently discovered group of endogenous inhibitors of cysteine proteases. Their biological role is under investigation now. Cystatin C, belonging to type 2 of cystatins superfamily, was found practically all cell types. Cystatin C is the most effective inhibitor of lysosomal cysteine proteases. Intracellular functions of cystatins are associated with cell proliferation, differentiation, ageing and death, antigen presentation. The role of cystatin C as a marker of tumors and atherosclerosis is discussed.
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Korolenko
mesh_terms: D015891:Cystatins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D015891:Cystatins