Proteases in Health and Disease

In view of rapidly growing research in the deregulation of proteases and their impact in human health and diseases, this book will highlight existing and emerging research in this exciting area. In-depth critical state-of-the-art reviews will be written by established investigators on proteases dysfunctions associated with pathogenesis of different diseases that are known to occur due to deregulation of proteolytic systems. Multidisciplinary approaches demonstrating biochemical and signal transduction mechanisms associated with deregulation of proteases leading to manifestation of the diseases will be discussed. The book highlights the roles of both intracellular and extracellular proteases in health and disease.

Part A: Molecular and Biochemical Aspects of Proteases.- 1. An Overview of Endoplasmic Reticulum Calpain System.- 2. Mitochondrial Calpains: Who, What, Where, When and Why?.- 3. Role of Calpains in Calmodulin Regulated Systems.- 4. Exercise and Matrix Metalloproteases: A Brief Overview.- 5. Regulation of Chondrocyte Matrix Metalloproteinase Gene Expression.- 6. Microbial Source of Fibrinolytic Protease and Its Biotechnological Potential.- 7. Aspartic Proteolytic Inhibitors Induce Cellular and Biochemical Alterations in Fungal Cells.- 8. Cysteine Proteases of Human Malaria Parasites.- 9. Proteases as Virulence Factors in Leishmania: Focus on Serine Proteases as Possible Therapeutic Targets.- 10. An Updated Inventory on Properties, Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Potential of Snake Venom Thrombin-like Proteases.- 11. Macrocyclic Protease Inhibitors Constrained into a ß-Strand Geometry.- Part B: Involvement of Proteases in Disease Processes.- 12. Regulation of MT1-MMP Activation and Its Relevance to Disease Processes.- 13. Role of Proteases During Intra-erythrocytic Developmental Cycle of Human Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum.- 14. Proteases in Vibrio cholerae and Their Role in Pathogenesis.- 15. ADAMTS13: The von Willebrand Factor Cleaving Protease and Its Role in Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura.- 16. Role of Proteases and Their Tissue Inhibitors in Pregnancy Outcome.- 17. Matrix Metalloproteinases in Bone Health and Disease.- 18. Escalated Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Osteoarthritis.- 19. Role of Proteases in Autism Spectrum Disorder.- 20. Role of Proteases in the Management of Hepatitis C Virus.- 21. Role of Protease in Inflammatory Lung Diseases.- 22. Involvement of Some Proteolytic Enzymes in Cardiac Dysfunction Due to Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.