The preproprotein encoded by this gene, a member of the peptidase C1 family, is a lysosomal cysteine proteinase that participates in the degradation of antigenic proteins to peptides for presentation on MHC class II molecules. The mature protein cleaves the invariant chain of MHC class II molecules in endolysosomal compartments and enables the formation of antigen-MHC class II complexes and the proper display of extracellular antigenic peptides by MHC-II. The mature protein also functions as an elastase over a broad pH range. When secreted from cells, this protein can remodel components of the extracellular matrix such as elastin, collagen, and fibronectin. This gene is implicated in the pathology of many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and, given its elastase activity, plays a significant role in some pulmonary diseases. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, May 2020]
A protein domain is a distinct structural or functional region within a protein that can evolve, function, and exist independently of the rest of the protein chain. These domains often fold into stable, three-dimensional structures and are associated with specific biological functions, such as binding to DNA, other proteins, or small molecules.
cysteine-type peptidase
cysteine endopeptidase
Cathepsin propeptide inhibitor domain (I29)
serine endopeptidase
binding protein
laminin binding
peptidase
cathepsin S
Peptidase_C1
collagen binding
protein binding
fibronectin binding
Pathways
Biological processes and signaling networks where the CTSS gene plays a role, providing insight into its function and relevance in health or disease.
The most significant associations for this gene, including commonly observed domains, pathway involvement, and functional highlights based on current data.
Locations within the cell where the protein is known or predicted to be active, providing insight into its function and cellular context.
Cytoplasm
intracellular membrane-bounded organelle
ficolin-1-rich granule lumen
cell surface
Extracellular Space
organelle lumens
cellular membrane
podosomes
endosomes
lysosome
granules
lysosomal compartment
endosomal compartment
late endosomes
phagosomes
plasma
Gene Ontology Annotations
Describes the biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions associated with the CTSS gene, providing context for its role in the cell.
biological PROCESS
Functions and activities the gene product is involved in
extracellular matrix disassembly
adaptive immune response
cellular response to thyroid hormone stimulus
toll-like receptor signaling pathway
immune response
proteolysis
antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen
apoptotic process
positive regulation of peptidase activity
antigen processing and presentation
positive regulation of cation channel activity
collagen catabolic process
protein processing
response to acidity
basement membrane disassembly
antigen processing and presentation of exogenous peptide antigen via MHC class II
proteolysis involved in cellular protein catabolic process
positive regulation of apoptotic signaling pathway
cellular COMPONENT
Where in the cell the gene product is active
extracellular space
endolysosome lumen
intracellular membrane-bounded organelle
late endosome
phagocytic vesicle
lysosomal lumen
extracellular region
lysosome
molecular FUNCTION
What the gene product does at the molecular level
collagen binding
proteoglycan binding
fibronectin binding
cysteine-type endopeptidase activity
serine-type endopeptidase activity
laminin binding
cysteine-type endopeptidase activator activity involved in apoptotic process
Gene-Specific Assays for Results You Can Trust
Streamline your workflow with assays designed for this gene. Our targeted dPCR and qPCR assays help you generate meaningful data – efficiently and accurately.