Wiktionary
n. (context enzyme English) An enzyme that breaks the peptide bonds in collagen.
WordNet
n. any enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of collagen and gelatin
Wikipedia
Collagenases are enzymes that break the peptide bonds in collagen. They assist in destroying extracellular structures in the pathogenesis of bacteria such as Clostridium. They are considered a virulence factor, facilitating the spread of gas gangrene. They normally target the connective tissue in muscle cells and other body organs.
Collagen, a key component of the animal extracellular matrix, is made through cleavage of pro-collagen by collagenase once it has been secreted from the cell. This stops large structures from forming inside the cell itself.
In addition to being produced by some bacteria, collagenase can be made by the body as part of its normal immune response. This production is induced by cytokines, which stimulate cells such as fibroblasts and osteoblasts, and can cause indirect tissue damage.
Usage examples of "collagenase".
She watched the healthy ones producing collagenase to expel the damaged collagen, enthralled by the ineffability of the process.
They seemed to turn out huge amounts of collagenase, but instead of clearing out only the collagen in need of repair, the strange part was that it seemed to attack all the collagen directly.
I gave him the invoices and explained the significance of insulin and collagenase, and the way they could be ordered.
The company that had sent insulin and collagenase had had similar headings.