Collagenases
Encyclopedia
Collagenases are enzymes that break the peptide bonds in collagen
.
They assist in destroying extracellular structures in pathogenesis of bacteria such as Clostridium
. They are an exotoxin
(a virulence factor) and help to facilitate 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.
Collagenase production can be induced during an immune response, by cytokine
s that stimulate cells such as fibroblasts and osteoblasts, and cause indirect tissue damage.
.
It has presented a documented efficiency in reducing the size of plaques or in some cases eliminating them.
Collagen
Collagen is a group of naturally occurring proteins found in animals, especially in the flesh and connective tissues of mammals. It is the main component of connective tissue, and is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up about 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content...
.
They assist in destroying extracellular structures in pathogenesis of bacteria such as Clostridium
Clostridium
Clostridium is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria, belonging to the Firmicutes. They are obligate anaerobes capable of producing endospores. Individual cells are rod-shaped, which gives them their name, from the Greek kloster or spindle...
. They are an exotoxin
Exotoxin
An exotoxin is a toxin excreted by a microorganism, like bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoa. An exotoxin can cause damage to the host by destroying cells or disrupting normal cellular metabolism. They are highly potent and can cause major damage to the host...
(a virulence factor) and help to facilitate the spread of gas gangrene
Gas gangrene
Gas gangrene is a bacterial infection that produces gas tissues in gangrene. It is a deadly form of gangrene usually caused by Clostridium perfringens bacteria. It is a medical emergency....
. 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.
Collagenase production can be induced during an immune response, by cytokine
Cytokine
Cytokines are small cell-signaling protein molecules that are secreted by the glial cells of the nervous system and by numerous cells of the immune system and are a category of signaling molecules used extensively in intercellular communication...
s that stimulate cells such as fibroblasts and osteoblasts, and cause indirect tissue damage.
Therapeutic uses
Collagenases have been approved for medical uses for- treatment of Dupuytren's contractureDupuytren's contractureDupuytren's contracture , is a fixed flexion contracture of the hand where the fingers bend towards the palm and cannot be fully extended...
(XiaflexXiaflexCollagenase clostridium histolyticum is an enzyme produced by the bacterium Clostridium histolyticum that dismantles collagen. It is used as a powder-and-solvent injection kit for the treatment for Dupuytren's contracture, a condition where the fingers bend towards the palm and cannot be fully...
).
Collagenases and Peyronie's disease
Collagenase remains an investigational drug for the treatment of Peyronie's diseasePeyronie's disease
Peyronie's Disease Peyronie's Disease Peyronie's Disease (also known as "Induratio penis plastica", or more recently Chronic Inflammation of the Tunica Albuginea (CITA), is a connective tissue disorder involving the growth of fibrous plaques in the soft tissue of the penis affecting up to 10% of men...
.
It has presented a documented efficiency in reducing the size of plaques or in some cases eliminating them.