[Cystatins: biological role and changes in pathology].
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.
Korolenko
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D015891:Cystatins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*
D015891:Cystatins