Proteases

Proteases (also known as proteolytic enzymes, peptidases, or proteinases) are enzymes that conduct proteolysis, the breakdown of proteins into smaller polypeptides or single amino acids. They are vital for many biological functions and processes.

Classification

Proteases can be classified into seven broad groups based on their catalytic residue: serine proteases, threonine proteases, cysteine proteases, aspartate proteases, glutamic proteases, metalloproteases, and asparagine peptide lyases.

Function

Proteases play key roles in numerous biological functions, including digestion of ingested proteins, protein synthesis, cell cycle progression, DNA replication, and protein degradation.

Role in disease

Proteases are involved in a variety of health conditions, such as cancer, inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and infectious diseases. They can be targets for therapeutic intervention.

Inhibitors

Protease inhibitors can prevent the activity of proteases, and are often used in research and medicine.

See also

• Enzyme
• Protein
• Amino acid
• Polypeptide
• Serine proteases
• Threonine proteases
• Cysteine proteases
• Aspartate proteases
• Glutamic proteases
• Metalloproteases
• Asparagine peptide lyases
• Protease inhibitor (biology)

Proteases Resources
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