TLDR Cystatin M/E strongly inhibits cathepsin V and cathepsin L, important for skin formation.
The study demonstrated that human cystatin M/E is a high-affinity inhibitor of cathepsin V (CTSV) and cathepsin L (CTSL), with Ki values of 0.47 and 1.78 nM, respectively. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that specific mutations could selectively disrupt inhibition of either CTSV/CTSL or legumain. Immunohistochemistry revealed co-localization of cystatin M/E with CTSV and CTSL in human skin, suggesting their role in epidermal differentiation. CTSL was identified as the enzyme that processes and activates epidermal transglutaminase 3, highlighting its importance in skin formation.
66 citations,
October 2002 in “Human molecular genetics online/Human molecular genetics” A gene mutation in mice causes skin defects and early death.
146 citations,
May 2002 in “The American journal of pathology” Cathepsin L is essential for normal hair growth and development.
135 citations,
October 1997 in “Journal of biological chemistry/The Journal of biological chemistry” Trichohyalin is modified by enzymes to form strong structures in hair cells.
10 citations,
November 2018 in “Genetics in medicine” Lack of cystatin M/E causes thin hair and dry skin.
375 citations,
June 2013 in “Biochimica et biophysica acta. Molecular cell research” Cornification is how skin cells die to form the protective outer layer of skin, hair, and nails.
Cornification is the process where living skin cells die to create a protective barrier, and problems with it can cause skin diseases.
22 citations,
August 2020 in “Cells” TGM3 is important for skin and hair structure and may help diagnose cancer.
30 citations,
August 2008 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” TGase 3 helps build hair structure by forming strong bonds between proteins.
