Cystatins: unravelling the biological implications for neuroprotection

Abstract

Cystatins, a family of proteins known for their inhibitory role against cysteine proteases, have garnered significant attention in the field of neurodegeneration. Numerous genetic, experimental and clinical studies concerning cystatin C suggest it plays an important role in the course of neurodegenerative diseases. Its beneficial effects are associated with cysteine protease inhibition, impact on β-amyloid aggregation as well as regulation of cell proliferation, autophagy and apoptosis. Cystatin isolated from chicken egg white, called Ovocystatin, has been widely used in medical and pharmaceutical research due to its structural and biological similarities to human cystatin C. This article focuses on the potential use of cystatins, with special emphasis on easily-obtained Ovocystatin, in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia. The current evidence on cystatin use has been portrayed shedding light on their mechanisms of action and therapeutic implications for neuroprotection and maintenance of cognitive functions.