collagenase
Protein-cleaving tissue enzyme
Collagenase is an enzyme that breaks down collagen, the main structural protein in connective tissue.
The body produces collagenases naturally to remodel tissue during wound healing and development.
In medicine, collagenase is used to dissolve dead tissue in wounds or to treat conditions like Dupuytren's contracture, where abnormal collagen causes fingers to curl inward.
Enzymatic protein breakdown
- hydrolysisWater-induced bond cleavage
- peptide bondAmino acid connection
- substrateUnderlying supporting material
- catalysisAccelerating reactions without consumption
active site · zymogen · inhibitor · cofactor · kinetics · specificity · affinity · denaturation
Making into small grains
- debridementRemoving damaged tissue surgically
- reepithelializationSkin layer regrowth over wounds
- scarPermanent mark from healing
- inflammationProtective tissue response
growth factors · cytokines · macrophages · neutrophils · platelets · contraction · proliferation · phagocytosis
Collagen-producing connective tissue cells
- degradationDecline in condition
- connective tissueSupportive biological matrix
- angiogenesisFormation of new vessels
- morphogenesisDevelopmental shape emergence
invasion · basement membrane · stromal · scaffold · remodeling
Care for heat wounds
- pressure ulcersTissue damage from compression
- wound careTreatment of bodily injuries
- dermatologyStudy of skin ailments
- FDA approvedCleared by regulators
proteolysis
Enzymatic protein breakdown
- hydrolysisWater-induced bond cleavage
- peptide bondAmino acid connection
- substrateUnderlying supporting material
catalysis · active site · zymogen · inhibitor · cofactor · kinetics · specificity · affinity · denaturation · amino acids
granulation
Making into small grains
- debridementRemoving damaged tissue surgically
- reepithelializationSkin layer regrowth over wounds
- scarPermanent mark from healing
inflammation · growth factors · cytokines · macrophages · neutrophils · platelets · contraction · proliferation · phagocytosis · exudate
fibroblasts
Collagen-producing connective tissue cells
- degradationDecline in condition
- connective tissueSupportive biological matrix
- angiogenesisFormation of new vessels
morphogenesis · invasion · basement membrane · stromal · scaffold · remodeling
burn treatment
Care for heat wounds
- pressure ulcersTissue damage from compression
- wound careTreatment of bodily injuries
- dermatologyStudy of skin ailments
perfusion
Fluid delivery to tissue