Z1-4077 — Final report
1.
A novel allosteric mechanism in the cysteine peptidase cathepsin K discovered by computational methods

In this paper we describe the procedure of allosteric site prediction in papain-like cysteine peptidases by computational methods, using cathepsin K as the model enzyme. Compound libraries were screened in silico to identify compound NSC13345 as the first low-molecular-weight allosteric inhibitor of cathepsin K. THe compound was thoroughly characterized from the functional and structural perspectives. The crystal structure of the cathepsin K/NSC13345 complex showed that the compound indeed binds at the computationally anticipated site, which was thereby identified as a novel allosteric site in cathepsin K. The compound was characterized as a partial inhibitor of the hydrolysis of synthetic substrates and azocasein and a full inhibitor of type I collagen hydrolysis. These results qualify compound NSC1334 as an excellent candidate for the design of drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis.

COBISS.SI-ID: 1678895
2.
Cathepsin K : a unique collagenolytic cysteine peptidase

Review article on the biochemical properties and physiological and pathological roles of cathepsin K, as well as the development of inhibitors for the treatment of osteoporosis.

COBISS.SI-ID: 1606191
3.
Papain-like peptidases: structure, function, and evolution

Review article on the family of papain-like cysteine peptidases, which discusses their biochemical and physiological roles from the perspective of the evolutionary lineages of the family.

COBISS.SI-ID: 36659717