Proteolytic enzyme

Proteolytic enzymes, also known as proteases, peptidases, or proteinases, are enzymes that perform proteolysis, protein catabolism by hydrolysis of peptide bonds. Proteases have evolved multiple times, and different classes of protease can perform the same reaction by completely different catalytic mechanisms. Proteases can be found in all types of organisms, from viruses and bacteria to plants and animals.

Classification

Proteases are classified into six broad groups:

1. Serine proteases
2. Threonine proteases
3. Cysteine proteases
4. Aspartic proteases
5. Metalloproteases
6. Glutamic proteases

Function

Proteases play key roles in cells, helping to maintain homeostasis by controlling such processes as cell-cycle progression, cell death, protein synthesis, cell signaling, and immune response. They are also involved in many pathological processes, including viral infection, cancer, and inflammation.

Medical and commercial use

Proteases have been used in various therapies for centuries. They are used in the medical field for their ability to break down proteins, such as in the treatment of inflammation and wound debridement. In the commercial sector, they are used in food processing, laundry detergents, and in the production of biofuels.

See also

• Enzyme
• Peptide bond
• Protein catabolism

Proteolytic enzyme Resources
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