Ctsz (cathepsin Z) Rattus norvegicus

Predicted to allow carboxypeptidase activity and cysteine-type endopeptidase activity. Involved in the negative regulation of neural projection development; positive regulation of neural precursor cell proliferation; and positive regulation of the apoptotic process of neurons. Located in various cellular components, including the cell cortex; cell surface; and growth cone. Ortholog to human CTSZ (cathepsin Z); INTERACTS WITH 1-naphthyl isothiocyanate; 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin; 3,3',5,5'-tetrabromobisphenol A.

The protein encoded by this gene is a lysosomal cysteine proteinase and a member of the C1 peptidase family. It exhibits both carboxy-monopeptidase and carboxy-dipeptidase activities. The encoded protein is also known as cathepsin X and cathepsin P. This gene is ubiquitously expressed in cancer cell lines and primary tumors and, like other members of this family, may be involved in tumorigenesis. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2008]

This gene encodes a member of the peptidase C1 (papain) family of cysteine proteases. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate a mature enzyme with carboxypeptidase activity. An enzymatically inactive form of the protein, that is associated with the propeptide, may be involved in cancer cell invasion and proliferation. Homozygous knockout mice for this gene exhibit impaired cancer cell invasion in a breast cancer model.