calpains


cal·pains

(kal'pānz), Calcium-dependent thiol proteinases that are cytoplasmic mammalian enzymes. Calpains of different types react in varying degrees to concentrations of calcium ions. [calcium + suffix -pain, protease, fr. papain]

calpains

A family of proteolytic enzymes with cysteine in the catalytic site (cysteine proteases). Calpains modulate cell function, some in specific tissues, some ubiquitously. They have been implicated in a range of diseases including cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and cataracts.