Cellular Uptake of Cystatin C. Subcellular localisation and intracellular effects of a secreted cysteine protease inhibitor
Popular Abstract in English The secreted cysteine protease inhibitor cystatin C has been thought to exert its functions extracellularly, as a defense against enzymes from leaking lysosomes or invading pathogens. In this thesis we demonstrate that regulation of intracellular proteases by cystatin C is possible, as a result of cellular uptake, and that the uptake can be modulated by molecular engineCystatin C is a cysteine protease inhibitor, aimed for secretion, as it is produced with a signal peptide. Its target enzymes are thought to be the lysosomal cysteine cathepsins and legumain. Cystatin C has been considered to excert its enzyme inhibiting functions extracellularly, as a defense against enzymes from leaking lysosomes or invading pathogens. It was demonstrated by various techniques,
