Protein catabolism

Protein catabolism is the process by which proteins are enzymatically broken down into peptides and amino acids, primarily via proteases such as pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. This process is essential for the recycling of cellular proteins, the absorption of dietary protein, and normal metabolic functioning. The amino acids released are either reused for new protein synthesis, metabolized for energy, or converted into other biomolecules. Catabolism occurs in multiple stages: initial digestion by gastrointestinal enzymes, further cleavage by pancreatic proteases, and final breakdown in cellular lysosomes. Protein catabolism is regulated by multiple factors including the ubiquitin-proteasome system and various forms of post-translational modification (e.g. phosphorylation and ubiquitination). Dysregulation of protein catabolism can contribute to disease pathogenesis, making individual components (such as specific proteases) potential therapeutic targets, but the process itself is not a discrete molecular target.

Other names

Protein degradationProtein breakdownProteolysis

Inhibition of proteases (blocks protein breakdown) Modulation of ubiquitin-proteasome system (regulates protein degradation pathway) Alteration of lysosomal function