CTSK and neoplasm: In order to determine the target protease(s) of SERPINB3 in cervix cells, we first evaluated gene expression levels of the nine mammalian cysteine cathepsin proteases, B cathepsin H, cathepsin C, cathepsin X, also known as cathepsin Z, cathepsin L (CTSL), cathepsin S, cathepsin V, cathepsin F, and cathepsin K. RNA-seq analysis of 68 primary tumor samples collected prior to the start of definitive radiation showed variable expression of cathepsins B, H, C, X, and L (Fig. 7h).