Cathepsin L (EC3.4.22.15, Aldrichina grahami cysteine proteinase) is an important lysosomal endopeptidase enzyme which is involved in the initiation of protein degradation.[1][2][3][4] It is a member of the Peptidase C1 family, which play an important role in diverse processes including normal lysosome mediated protein turnover, antigen and proprotein processing, and apoptosis.[5] Cathepsin L has been reported in many organisms including fish,[6] birds, mammals, and sponges.[7]
^Dickinson DP. Cysteine Peptidases of Mammals: Their Biological Roles and Potential Effects in the Oral Cavity and Other Tissues in Health and Disease, CROBM 2002 13: 238.
