Pancreatic Proteases

Pancreatic proteases are a group of digestive enzymes produced by the exocrine pancreas. Their primary function is to break down dietary proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, facilitating absorption in the small intestine. They include trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase, and carboxypeptidase, all belonging to the serine protease family. These enzymes are synthesized as inactive zymogens and activated in the small intestine to prevent autodigestion of the pancreas. Deficiency or dysfunction in these enzymes leads to malabsorption syndromes.

Other names

TrypsinChymotrypsinElastaseCarboxypeptidaseTrypsinogenChymotrypsinogenProelastaseProcarboxypeptidase

Hydrolyzes peptide bonds in proteins, breaking them down into smaller peptides and amino acids.