collagenase
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: * An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of collagen and gelatin: Collagenase is a type of protein that breaks down collagen, a key structural protein in connective tissues like skin, tendons, and bones, as well as gelatin, which is derived from collagen.
Usage
- Collagenase is a specific term used primarily in biochemistry, medicine, and cell biology.
- It refers to the enzyme's function of degrading collagen.
- It is often discussed in contexts involving tissue remodeling, wound healing, bacterial infection, and laboratory research where tissues need to be dissociated.
Examples
- Noun:
- The bacterium secretes collagenase to invade the host's connective tissue.
- In the lab, researchers used collagenase to digest the tissue and isolate individual cells.
- A specific collagenase is sometimes used in medicine to treat severe burns or scars.
Advanced Usage
- Clinical Application: The term is used for specific medical treatments. For example, "collagenase clostridium histolyticum" is an FDA-approved injection for treating Dupuytren's contracture, where it breaks down the collagen cords in the hand.
- Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP): Many collagenases belong to a larger family of enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are crucial for normal tissue development and repair but can contribute to disease if overactive.
Variants and Related Words
- Collagenolytic (adj.): Having the ability to break down collagen.
- The bacteria exhibited collagenolytic activity.
Synonyms
- Proteolytic enzyme (specifically for collagen)
- Peptidase (general term for protein-digesting enzymes)
Related Phrases / Compounds
- Bacterial collagenase: Collagenase produced by certain bacteria, often associated with infection.
- Collagenase treatment: A therapeutic procedure using the enzyme.
- Collagen digestion: The process catalyzed by collagenase.
Noun
- any enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of collagen and gelatin