Detection and possible functions of a cysteine protease involved in digestion of rod outer segments by retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Abstract

The expression of Cat S in RPE cells and the accumulation of an autofluorescent debris in cultures in which cysteine proteases or Cat S activity is inhibited suggest a key role for this enzyme, either in the ROS digestion process or in the activation of cathepsin D, the major lysosomal enzyme present in RPE cells.