Sandbox Reserved 484: Difference between revisions

Another mechanism of action that Cathepsin B takes on is its function to regulate [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angiogenesis angiogenic] threshold of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endothelium endothelial]  cells.  Cathepsin B has the ability to suppress the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrinsic_and_extrinsic_properties intrinsic] angiogenic switch.  When bovine retinal endothelial cells (BREC) are cultured between two layers of collagen, the BRECS can produce both proangiogenic factors ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vascular_endothelial_growth_factor cascular endothelial growth factor]) and antioangiogenic factors ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endostatin endostatin]).  Cathepsin B can suppress the production of VEGF and increase the levels of endostatin.  Under these specific conditions the tube formation is low, but it can be induced by adding VEGF.  Blocking Cathepsin B activity allows for the release of endogenous control mechanism and VEGF levels increase and the endostatin levels decrease.  A diagram representation of how Cathepsin B allows for this mechanism to occur is shown.  

== Medical Implications  ==