DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Term for calcium ion-dependent, papain-like cysteine proteases.
Calpains are found in humans and animals. They play a role in the development of very different diseases, e.g. Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, hereditary epidermolysis (see below Epidermolysis bullosa simplex with mutation in plectin isoform 1a), age-related cataracts, rheumatic diseases, type 2 diabetes and circulatory disorders. Several oncogenes and tumor suppressor gene products are substrates for calpaine. The Ca2+-activated protease calplain processes the interleukin-1 alpha precursor into its mature 17 kDa form (see also interleukin-1 alpha).
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There is great interest in the inhibition of calpains. More than 50 endogenous and exogenous inhibitors of calpains (= calpastatins) have been described so far. Calpastatins are partially cellular and extracellular proteins. Furthermore, drugs are used as inhibitors of the cysteine proteases.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer