Functions and distribution of calpain-calpastatin system components in brain during mammal ontogeny

Calpain and calpastatin are the key components of the calcium-dependent proteolytic system. Calpains are regulatory, calcium-dependent, cytoplasmic proteinases, and calpastatin is the endogenous inhibitor of calpains. Due to the correlation between changes in the activity of the calpain-calpastatin system in the brain and central nervous system (CNS) pathology states, this proteolytic system is a prime focus of research on CNS pathological processes, generally characterized by calpain activity upregulation. The present review aims to generalize existing data on cerebral calpain distribution and function through mammalian ontogenesis. Special attention is given to the most recent studies on the topic as more information on calpain-calpastatin system involvement in normal CNS development and functioning has become available. We also discuss data on calpain and calpastatin activity and production in different brain regions during ontogenesis as comparative analysis of these results in association with ontogeny processes can reveal brain regions and developmental stages with pronounced function of the calpain system.

Automated summary

Calpain and calpastatin are key components of the calcium-dependent proteolytic system. Calpains are regulatory, calcium-dependent, cytoplasmic proteinases, while calpastatin is the endogenous inhibitor of calpains. This review summarizes existing data on cerebral calpain distribution and function throughout mammalian ontogenesis, focusing on recent studies and the involvement of the calpain-calpastatin system in normal CNS development and functioning. The activity and production of calpain and calpastatin in different brain regions during ontogenesis are also discussed, as comparative analysis of these results can reveal brain regions and developmental stages with pronounced calpain system function.