Cystatin C is expressed by all nucleated cells at a constant rate and plays a protective role by tightly regulating cysteine protease activity in various tissues, thereby balancing cellular homeostasis and preventing damage from excessive proteolytic activity. In particular, Cystatin C inhibits lysosomal cysteine proteases, such as cathepsins B, H, K, L and S, which are involved in protein degradation within cells. Since cathepsins are also involved in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is critical in processes like wound healing and tissue regeneration, their inhibition by Cystatin C regulates ECM turnover, preventing excessive degradation. Moreover, Cystatin C is able to influence immune responses by regulating the activity of proteases involved in antigen processing and presentation. In the central nervous system, Cystatin C fulfills a neuroprotective role, as dysregulation of proteolytic enzymes is associated with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Due to its consistent production and filtration by the kidneys, Cystatin C is a useful biomarker for assessing kidney function. In disease states, Cystatin-C levels often increase as a marker of tissue damage, inflammation, or declining renal function, making it a valuable biomarker in diagnosing and monitoring conditions like chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and cancer.
Additional information for Cystatin C, His-Tag
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SDS-PAGE/Coll. Coomassie
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Histogram of marked lane in gel picture
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