Author(s):
Pereira, H ; Oliveira, C S F ; Castro, L. ; Preto, Ana ; Chaves, S. R. ; Côrte-Real, Manuela
Date: 2015
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/1822/50170
Origin: RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho
Project/scholarship:
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/5876/135919/PT;
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/3599-PPCDT/125757/PT
;
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/SFRH/SFRH%2FBD%2F73139%2F2010/PT;
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/SFRH/SFRH%2FBD%2F77449%2F2011/PT;
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/SFRH/SFRH%2FBD%2F93589%2F2013/PT;
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/SFRH/SFRH%2FBPD%2F89980%2F2012/PT;
Subject(s): cathepsin D; yeast model; apoptosis; yeast cathepsin D; cancer; Science & Technology; Ciências Naturais::Ciências Biológicas
Description
Cathepsin D has garnered increased attention in recent years, mainly since it has been associated with several human pathologies. In particular, cathepsin D is often overexpressed and hypersecreted in cancer cells, implying it may constitute a therapeutic target. However, cathepsin D can have both anti- and pro-survival functions depending on its proteolytic activity, cellular context and stress stimulus. Therefore, a more detailed understanding of cathepsin D regulation and how to modulate its apoptotic functions is clearly needed. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of cathepsin D in physiological and pathological scenarios. We then focus on the opposing functions of cathepsin D in apoptosis, particularly relevant in cancer research. Emphasis is given to the role of the yeast protease Pep4p, the vacuolar counterpart of cathepsin D, in life and death. Finally, we discuss how insights from yeast cathepsin D and its role in regulated cell death can unveil novel functions of mammalian cathepsin D in apoptosis and cancer.
FEDER through POFC – COMPETE and by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia through projects PEst-OE/BIA/UI4050/2014 and FCTANR/BEX-BCM/0175/2012, as well as fellowships to H. Pereira (SFRH/BD/73139/2010), C.S.F. Oliveira (SFRH/BD/77449/2011), L. Castro (SFRH/BD/93589/2013) and S. Chaves (SFRH/ BPD/89980/2012).
info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion
