Cathepsin b

Cathepsin B (cathepsin from Greek καθεψειν = digest) is an endoprotease which is found in lysosomes of eosinophilic granulocytes and osteoclasts, among others. Cathepsin B is encoded by the CBS gene.

Cathepsin B is upregulated in premalignant lesions, but also in the lesional areas of cornification disorders such as keratolytic winter erythema. Mutations in the CTSB gene are associated with a form of chronic pancreatitis.

Cathepseins generally cause a hydrolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix and the basement membrane when released. Known are > 10 cathepsins such as Cathepsin B, Cathepsin H, Cathepsin K, Cathepsin L; Cathepsin S.

In suspended meat, released enzymes, e.g. cathepsins and calpains, cause the meat to become increasingly tender (meat maturation) due to their incipient, continuous enzymatic activity.