Invitrogen™ Cathepsin B Polyclonal Antibody

Cathepsin B is a gene located on chromosome 8p23.1 that encodes a lysosomal cysteine protease involved in intracellular protein degradation. As a member of the cathepsin family, Cathepsin B plays a crucial role in the lysosomal pathway, facilitating the breakdown of proteins into amino acids, which can then be recycled for cellular functions. In addition to its proteolytic activity within lysosomes, Cathepsin B is also implicated in extracellular matrix remodeling, cellular invasion, and apoptotic pathways. Its expression and activity are often upregulated in various cancer types, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers, where it contributes to tumor progression and metastasis by degrading extracellular matrix components and promoting tumor cell invasion. Due to these roles, Cathepsin B is considered a potential biomarker for cancer prognosis and a target for therapeutic intervention aimed at inhibiting cancer cell dissemination. Research continues to explore its broader implications in diseases related to protease activity and inflammation.