Background to Osteoporosis programme

Cathepsin K is a cysteine peptidase present in bone degrading cells (i.e. osteoclasts).  Cathepsin K catalyses the proteolytic processing of type I collagen; which is the principle protein of the bone matrix.  Proteolysis of type I collagen results in a weakening of the bone matrix eventually leading to bone loss, fragility and skeletal damage.  Inhibition of cathepsin K activity should provide a novel treatment for osteoporosis.