Legumain
Legumain is a member of the asparaginyl endopeptidase family of proteases, which are enzymes that cleave peptide bonds in proteins. It is primarily expressed in various tissues and organs, including the brain, liver, and reproductive system, with notable roles in physiological and pathological processes. The enzyme is encoded by the *Legumain* gene in humans, located on chromosome 11, and its activity is tightly regulated to prevent unintended proteolysis.
Legumain is characterized by its ability to cleave peptide bonds at the carboxyl side of asparagine residues,
In the immune system, legumain plays a role in the degradation of proteins within endosomes and lysosomes,
Additionally, legumain has been studied in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, where