Proteases in the nervous system

The central nervous system contains numerous proteases fulfilling a plethora of different functions such as activation, regulation and termination of cellular reactions. Protease function is thereby determined by cell biological and enzymological factors, e.g. subcellular localization and substrate specificity leading to a proteolytic balance between anabolic and catabolic processes. In consequence, disturbances of proteolytic turnover might lead to the accumulation of peptide and protein fragments important for the development of neurodegenerative disorders. To characterize the important function of proteases in the nervous system and their contribution to disease, enzymes involved in the generation and clearance of toxic peptides in Alzheimer's disease will be discussed. In addition, proline-specific proteases and their importance for the regulation of the bioactivity of numerous CNS peptide substrates are highlighted.