P43235

Cathepsin K also known as PYCD, CATK, CTSK is a member of the cysteine protease family. Cathepsin K plays a crucial role in bone resorption and remodeling, making cathepsin K essential for maintaining bone health and homeostasis. This enzyme is predominantly expressed in osteoclasts, cells responsible for bone degradation, and cathepsin K activity is vital for normal physiological bone turnover. Dysregulation of cathepsin K has been implicated in various bone disorders, including osteoporosis and Paget′s disease, highlighting cathepsin K′s importance as a therapeutic target. However, cathepsin K is also expressed in a significant fraction of human breast cancers, where it could contribute to tumor invasiveness.