| cystatin | <protein> A group of natural cysteine protease inhibitors (approximately 13 kD) widely distributed both intra and extra cellularly. (18 Nov 1997) |
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| cystatins | <chemical> A homologous group of endogenous cysteine proteinase inhibitors. Four distinct families are recognised within the cystatin superfamily: cystatin b or stefins; cystatin c or post-gamma-globulin; egg-white or chicken cystatin; and kininogen cystatin. The cystatins inhibit most cysteine proteinases of the papain type, and other peptidases which have a sulfhydryl group at the active site. Pharmacological action: cysteine proteinase inhibitors. (12 Dec 1998) |