Current knowledge of calpains - intracellular, non-lysosomal enzymes involved in intracellular protein catabolism, is discussed in this publication. It provides an overview of topics ranging from the molecular biology of the calpains and their specific inhibitor protein, to physiologic and pathologic consequences of this proteolytic system.

Intracellular Calcium-Dependent Proteolysis explains what is now known about calpains, which are intracellular, non-lysosomal enzymes involved in intracellular protein catabolism. The book provides a comprehensive overview of topics ranging from the molecular biology of the calpains and their specific inhibitor protein (calpastatin) to physiologic and pathologic consequences of the presence of this proteolytic system in many model cells and tissues. Several theoretical functions of the calpains are discussed, including their potential roles in muscle protein turnover, platelet activation, membrane fusion, and synaptic plasticity. Intracellular Calcium-Dependent Proteolysis is a valuable source of information for researchers and students interested in the regulation of intracellular protein catabolism and the general effects of Ca2+ on cell function.