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Title: Cathepsin L and acute ischemic stroke: A mini-review
Ischemic stroke is a serious cerebrovascular event that results in cell death, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, tissue degradation, and inflammation, often leading to permanent disability or death. As the incidence of ischemic stroke continues to rise globally, it is crucial to examine the mechanisms of the various proteins and molecules contributing to worsened patient outcome and recovery. Cathepsin L, a cysteine protease known for degrading tissues in lysosomes and elsewhere, may play a role in brain tissue loss and inflammation after stroke. Studies have suggested that cathepsin L appears in the ischemic core shortly after stroke is induced. Using immunohistochemical staining, mass spectrometry, and other assays, the increase of cathepsin L in the brain was correlated with extracellular matrix and perlecan degradation after ischemic stroke. Additionally, injection of a cathepsin L inhibitor significantly reduced brain infarct size and improved functional scores. More research is needed to elucidate cathepsin L's role in post-stroke inflammation and brain damage, in order to further explore the factors contributing to worsened patient outcome after ischemic stroke and work toward finding better therapeutic interventions.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1916894
PAR ID:
10425919
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Frontiers in Stroke
Volume:
1
ISSN:
2813-3056
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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