Stains & CD markers
Cathepsin K


Last author update: 1 July 2013
Last staff update: 23 June 2021

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PubMed Search: cathepsin k

Nat Pernick, M.D.
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Cite this page: Pernick N. Cathepsin K. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/stainscathepsink.html. Accessed March 19th, 2024.
Definition / general
  • Lysosomal, papain-like cysteine protease with high matrix-degrading activity; expression is driven by microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) in osteoclasts
  • Responsible for bone resorption and remodeling
  • Germline mutations cause sclerosing osteochondrodysplasia pycnodysostosis, a rare autosomal recessive skeletal dysplasia characterized by abnormal bone and tooth development
Uses by pathologists
  • Diagnosis of renal angiomyolipoma and other renal erivascular epithelioid cell tumors (Mod Pathol 2012;25:100)
Microscopic (histologic) images

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Bone: osteoclasts in osteoclastoma and normal

Intervertebral disc

Maxillary sinus: basaloid squamous cell carcinoma

Positive staining - normal
Positive staining - disease
Negative staining
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