Using a multidisciplinary approach, this book describes the biochemical mechanisms associated with dysregulation of proteases and the resulting pathophysiological consequences. It highlights the role and regulation of different types of proteases as well as their synthetic and endogenous inhibitors. The role of proteases was initially thought to be limited to general metabolic digestion. However, we now know that the role of protein breakdown is much more complex, and proteases have multiple functions: they are coupled to turnover and can affect protein composition, function and synthesis. In addition to eliminating abnormal proteins, breakdown has many modulatory functions, including activating and inactivating enzymes, modulating membrane function, altering receptor channel properties, affecting transcription and cell cycles and forming active peptides. The ubiquity of proteases in nature makes them an important target for drug development. This in-depth, comprehensive is a valuable resource for researchers involved in identifying new targets for drug development. With its multidisciplinary scope, it bridges the gap between fundamental and translational research in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, making it thought-provoking reading for scientists in the field.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted field of protease in the cellular environment and focuses on the recently elucidated functions of complex proteolytic systems in physiology and pathophysiology. Given the breadth and depth of information covered in the respective contributions, the book will be immensely useful for researchers working to identify targets for drug development. Multidisciplinary in scope, the book bridges the gap between fundamental and translational research, with applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industry, making it a thought-provoking read for basic and applied scientists engaged in biomedical research. Proteases represent one of the largest and most diverse families of enzymes known, and we now know that they are involved in every aspect of a given organism’s life functions. Under physiological conditions, proteases are regulated by their endogenous inhibitors. However, when the activity of proteases is not correctly regulated, disease processes such as tumour progression, vascular remodelling, atherosclerotic plaque progression, ulcer, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and inflammation can result. Many infective microorganisms require proteases for replication or use them as virulence factors, which has facilitated the development of protease-targeted therapies for a variety of parasitic diseases.

In view of rapidly growing research in the deregulation of proteases and their impact in human health and diseases, this book will highlight existing and emerging research in this exciting area. In-depth critical state-of-the-art reviews will be written by established investigators on proteases dysfunctions associated with pathogenesis of different diseases that are known to occur due to deregulation of proteolytic systems. Multidisciplinary approaches demonstrating biochemical and signal transduction mechanisms associated with deregulation of proteases leading to manifestation of the diseases will be discussed. The book highlights the roles of both intracellular and extracellular proteases in health and disease.

The Proceedings of the Second International symposium "Proteases: Potential Role in Health and Disease" which was held in Rothenburg ob der Tauber (FRG) during May 17-20, 1987. The topics discussed those dealing with the physiology and pathophysiology of proteases and their inhibitors, the interactions of proteases and hormones, the kallikrein-Kinin, complement and coagulation system, the function of proteases in arthritis, malignoma, Pancreatitis, intestinal tract, lung and kidney disease as well in hypercatabolic states (acute renal failure, multiple trauma and septicemia). Furthermore some reports dealed with the role of proteases during extracorporeal circulation. The paper presented answered many questions, but reised many more concerning the significance of proteases and their inhibitors in clinical medicine. It was unfortiunately impossible in this volume, to include the extended, lively and stimulating discussions which were enjoyed by the participiants during the conference. The meeting has provided a unique framework for close interaction between scientists from various disciplines, including molecular biology, biology, biochemistry, physiology, surgery, anaesthesiology, endocrinology, hematology, pneumatology and nephrology.

Published in 1995: Aspartic Proteinases: Physiology and Pathology focuses on the advantages and limitations of the use of proteinases and their inhibitors in human pathology. A virus-specific aspartic proteinase enzyme is required for the maturation of a virus. If the enzyme can be eliminated, so can the maturation of the virus. This book reviews the wealth of recently published information sparked by the renewed interest in these enzymes.

This book bridges the gap between fundamental research and biomedical and pharmacological applications on proteases. It represents a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted field of proteases in cellular environment and highlights the recently elucidated functions of complex proteolytic systems in different diseases. Several established investigators have elucidated the crucial role of proteases in biological processes, including how proteolytic function and regulation can be combined to develop new strategies of therapeutic interventions. Proteases form one of the largest and most diverse families of enzymes known. It is now clear that proteases are involved in every aspect of life functions of an organism. Under physiological conditions, proteases are regulated by their endogenous inhibitors; however, when the activity of proteases is not regulated appropriately, disease processes can result in. So, there is absolute need for a stringent control of proteolytic activities in cells and tissues. Dysregulation of proteases may cause derangement of cellular signalling network resulting in different pathophysiological conditions such as vascular remodelling, atherosclerotic plaque progression, ulcer and rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer disease, cancer metastasis, tumor progression and inflammation. Additionally, many infective microorganisms require proteases for replication or use proteases as virulence factors, which have facilitated the development of protease-targeted therapies for a variety of parasitic diseases.