Biochem/physiol Actions

Cathepsin K is a cysteine proteinase which is mainly responsible for osteoclastic bone matrix solubilization. It exhibits elastolytic as well as collagenolytic activities.

General description

Rat cathepsin K shares 88% identity with the human cathepsin K. It belongs to the papain superfamily and lysosomal protease family. The associated gene is strongly expressed in osteoclasts and osteoclastoma cells.

Physical form

0.5 mg/mL solution in 25 mM Na2HPO4 and 500 mM NaCl (pH 7.0) with 50% glycerol.