Role of Cathepsin D in U18666A-induced Neuronal Cell Death

Abstract

Background: CathepsinDhas been implicated in Niemann-Pick typeC(NPC) disease, which is associated with intracellular cholesterol accumulation. Results: Increased cytosolic and extracellular levels of cathepsin D enhanced neuronal death via different mechanisms. Conclusion: Leakage of cathepsin D within and outside the cell can cause cell death. Significance: Cathepsin D may be involved in the degeneration of neurons in NPC pathology. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.