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Normal Function
The CTSD gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called cathepsin D. Cathepsin D is one of a family of cathepsin proteins that act as protease enzymes, which modify proteins by cutting them apart. Cathepsin D is found in many types of cells and is active in lysosomes, which are compartments within cells that digest and recycle different types of molecules. By cutting proteins apart, cathepsin D can break down certain proteins, turn on (activate) other proteins, and regulate self-destruction of the cell (apoptosis).
Cathepsin D is produced as an inactive enzyme, called a preproenzyme, which has extra protein segments attached. These segments must be removed, followed by additional processing steps, for the enzyme to become active. The mature, active cathepsin D enzyme is made up of two parts, one light chain and one heavy chain.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
CLN10 disease
At least seven mutations in the CTSD gene have been found to cause CLN10 disease. The signs and symptoms of CLN10 disease are usually present at birth and include muscle rigidity, respiratory failure, and severe seizures; death typically occurs in infancy. Rarely, CLN10 disease can develop later in life with poor coordination and balance (ataxia), loss of speech, a gradual loss in intellectual functioning (cognitive decline), and vision loss.
CTSD gene mutations found to cause CLN10 disease that is present at birth lead to a complete lack of cathepsin D enzyme activity. As a result, proteins and fats are not broken down properly and abnormally accumulate within lysosomes. While these substances accumulate in cells throughout the body, nerve cells appear to be particularly vulnerable to damage caused by the abnormal cell materials. Early and widespread loss of nerve cells in CLN10 disease leads to severe signs and symptoms and death in infancy.
In the later-onset cases of CLN10 disease, CTSD gene mutations likely result in the production of a cathepsin D enzyme whose function is greatly reduced but not eliminated. As a result, some proteins and fats are broken down by the enzyme, so it takes longer for these substances to accumulate in lysosomes and cause nerve cell death.
More About This Health ConditionOther Names for This Gene
- CATD_HUMAN
- cathepsin D preproprotein
- ceroid-lipofuscinosis, neuronal 10
- CLN10
- CPSD
- lysosomal aspartyl peptidase
- lysosomal aspartyl protease
Additional Information & Resources
Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry
Scientific Articles on PubMed
Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM
References
- Benes P, Vetvicka V, Fusek M. Cathepsin D--many functions of one aspartic protease. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2008 Oct;68(1):12-28. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2008.02.008. Epub 2008 Apr 8. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
- Kollmann K, Uusi-Rauva K, Scifo E, Tyynela J, Jalanko A, Braulke T. Cell biology and function of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis-related proteins. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2013 Nov;1832(11):1866-81. doi: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.01.019. Epub 2013 Feb 9. Citation on PubMed
- Kousi M, Lehesjoki AE, Mole SE. Update of the mutation spectrum and clinical correlations of over 360 mutations in eight genes that underlie the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. Hum Mutat. 2012 Jan;33(1):42-63. doi: 10.1002/humu.21624. Epub 2011 Nov 16. Citation on PubMed
- Masson O, Bach AS, Derocq D, Prebois C, Laurent-Matha V, Pattingre S, Liaudet-Coopman E. Pathophysiological functions of cathepsin D: Targeting its catalytic activity versus its protein binding activity? Biochimie. 2010 Nov;92(11):1635-43. doi: 10.1016/j.biochi.2010.05.009. Epub 2010 May 21. Citation on PubMed
- Steinfeld R, Reinhardt K, Schreiber K, Hillebrand M, Kraetzner R, Bruck W, Saftig P, Gartner J. Cathepsin D deficiency is associated with a human neurodegenerative disorder. Am J Hum Genet. 2006 Jun;78(6):988-98. doi: 10.1086/504159. Epub 2006 Mar 29. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
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