© 2009 Atlas of Genetics and Cytogenetics in Oncology and Haematology Identity

The gene for human cathepsin B is located on chromosome 8p22 and it comprises 12 exons. The transcript length is 1017 bps which is translated to 339 residues preproenzyme. Cathepsin B mRNA consists of several variants produced by alternative exon splicing. Most variations involve the 5'- and 3'-UTR. Cathepsin B mRNAs lacking exon 2 are predominant in human tumours. In addition, human breast and colon carcinomas and human melanoma contain a cathepsin B transcript that is also missing exon 3 encoding the signal peptide and 7 residues of the activation propeptide. Transcription Transcription is initiated from more than one promoter region. In addition to the promoter region upstrea