Cathepsin Kits Overview
- Quick and easy methods
- Analyze whole live suspension and adherent cells
- Assay based on fluorescent substrates
- Suitable for flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, or a plate reader
The cathepsin family is comprised of several proteolytic enzymes stored in cellular organelles called lysosomes. A key cellular pathway involving lysosomes is autophagy, the process of cellular self-digestion, where cathepsins hydrolyze and degrade cytoplasmic proteins, bulk cytoplasm, and dysfunctional organelles for recycling.
Fig. 1. Intracellular cathepsin K activity detected in THP-1 cells using Magic Red Cathepsin K Kit (ICT939).
Cathepsins also play a role in phagocytosis and upon release from lysosomes into the cytoplasm, they can initiate or regulate apoptosis through both the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways by different mechanisms.
Increased levels of cathepsin activity have been linked to diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s, indicating that cathepsin proteins may be a potential target for novel therapies.
Our Cathepsin Detection Kit Range
Bio-Rad offers the following range of Cathepsin Kits, supported by detailed technical manuals:
NOTE: All these kits may also be used with fluorescence plate readers.