
-   Enhanced gene transcription for CTSK and increase cathepsin K protein expression were observed in human pulmonary fibrosis. Lung specimens obtained from patients with lung fibrosis fibroblasts expressed larger amounts of catK than those obtained from normal lungs indicating a role of CTSK in lung matrix homeostasis. Primary lung fibroblasts derived from CTSK(-/-) mice showed a decreased collagenolytic activity indicating the role of catK in collagen degradation and lung fibrosis. [PMID: 15161653].
