Extracellular Proteases

Extracellular proteases are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of peptide bonds in the extracellular environment. They are classified based on their catalytic mechanisms into serine proteases, metalloproteinases, cysteine proteases, aspartate proteases, and threonine proteases. These enzymes play crucial roles in various physiological and pathological processes including tissue remodeling, wound healing, inflammation, and cancer progression. Their expression is tightly regulated at multiple levels to ensure precise spatial-temporal control. Dysregulation of extracellular protease activity is implicated in diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic inflammation, making them important drug targets.

Other names

Extracellular proteinasesSecreted proteases

Inhibition of protease activity