2/2007Lysosomes and lysosomal enzymes – structure and function,especially cathepsin D as a new marker of cancer diseases

PIOTR RAJEWSKI (Katedra i Klinika Neurologii, Collegium Medicum, UMK w Toruniu,Kierownik: dr hab. Barbara Książkiewicz, prof. UMK)

Summary
The lysosomal proteases play an important role in normal cell’s function. They participate in number of physiological and pathological cases for example in the cells nourishment, immunogenesis, development of the arteriosclerosis perturbations in blood vessel cells and in the pathogenesis of degeneration diseases, cancer dis- eases and in the great number of others. In many cancer types, an increased activity of the lysosomal enzymes both in blood serum and in tumor tissues was revealed. Over the past few years a particular attention have been paid to the fact that the high activity of some lysosomal enzymes, especially cathepsin D, is connected with the increased cancer invasiveness. The results of preliminary clinical research point to great diagnostic value of lysosomal enzymes – cathepsin D in some cancer detection and in monitoring of their course. An essential role in cancer disease development is also reported for cathepsin D inhibitors, which in future could increase the efficiency of cancer treatment in a significant way.

Key words: cathepsin D, lysosomes, cancers