Cathepsin K Alleviates Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway and Inducing Hepatic Stellate Cell Apoptosis (IMAGE)

Xia & He Publishing Inc.

Cathepsin K Alleviates Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway and Inducing Hepatic Stellate Cell Apoptosis

Caption

Suppression of the TGF-β/Smad pathway via a Smad7/Smurf2-dependent ubiquitination mechanism, and direct disruption of the apoptosis-resistant barrier in HSCs. This work extends the role of CTSK beyond that of a conventional ECM-degrading enzyme to a key regulator of protein homeostasis and cell fate. As a multifunctional regulatory protein, CTSK presents a promising therapeutic target warranting further exploration for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Credit

Yuemin Nan

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License

CC BY-NC

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