CTSG

CTSG stands for cathepsin G. It is a serine protease that belongs to the chymotrypsin family of enzymes. CTSG is primarily synthesized and stored in the azurophil granules of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. Its main role is in the innate immune system, where it is released during inflammation and infection to degrade extracellular matrix proteins and to directly kill pathogens. Beyond its antimicrobial functions, CTSG has been implicated in a variety of other biological processes, including wound healing, tissue remodeling, and even the development of certain diseases. Its proteolytic activity allows it to cleave a broad range of substrates, contributing to both beneficial and detrimental effects depending on the context. Research has explored its involvement in conditions such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, and cancer, suggesting complex and multifaceted roles for this enzyme. The precise mechanisms by which CTSG exerts its diverse functions are still an active area of investigation.