Calpain-2 is a heterodimer of a catalytic subunit encoded by CAPN2 gene and a regulatory subunit CAPNS1. The catalytic subunit consists of four domains: protease core 1 domain (PC1), protease core 2 domain (PC2), calpain-type beta-sandwich-like domain (CBSW), and penta EF-hand domain (PEF (L)). The catalytic cleft is formed by PC1 and PC2 upon calcium binding. The catalytic triad consists of residues C105, H262, and N286. Noteworthy, CAPN2 also contains an N-terminal anchor helix, which however is cleaved off upon protease activation. There is no known consensus sequence for calpain-2 proteolysis, but there is evidence for over 130 potential substrates. Proteolytic cleavage by calpain-2 is regulated by presence of Ca2+ ions. It requires supraphysiological (low millimolar) concentration of Ca2+ for activation. Intracellular concentration of Ca2+ (approx. 100 nM) is insufficient for activating calpain-2, so activation occurs upon influx of ions from extracellular space or from endoplasmic reticulum.