This gene encodes a member of the A1 family of peptidases. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate multiple protein products. These products include the cathepsin D light and heavy chains, which heterodimerize to form the mature enzyme. This enzyme exhibits pepsin-like activity and plays a role in protein turnover and in the proteolytic activation of hormones and growth factors. Mutations in this gene play a causal role in neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis-10 and may be involved in the pathogenesis of several other diseases, including breast cancer and possibly Alzheimers disease. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2015]
Store at -20C. Supplied in 50mM Tris-Glycine(pH 7.4), 0.15M NaCl, 40%Glycerol, 0.01% sodium azide and 0.05% BSA. Stable for 12 months from date of receipt.
