Proteases, also known as proteolytic enzymes or proteinases, are enzymes essential for the regulation of numerous cellular processes, including protein degradation, immune response, and cell signaling. By breaking down proteins into smaller peptides, proteases help maintain cellular balance and respond to physiological changes.
For researchers investigating protease pathways, AnyGenes qPCR array products provide advanced tools for profiling gene expression associated with proteases and their regulatory mechanisms. These arrays offer insights into biomarkers and signaling pathways, aiding studies in disease progression and therapeutic response. By leveraging these arrays, scientists can gain a comprehensive understanding of protease activity in cellular contexts, contributing to breakthroughs in diagnostic and therapeutic solutions.
Protease-activated receptors (PARs) signaling. Scheme of the principal PARs-dependent signaling pathways.
Proteases can be categorized based on their active site and mechanism of action:
Each type plays distinct roles in biological processes and has specific applications in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.
Proteases are tightly regulated to prevent excessive or insufficient proteolysis. They function by cleaving peptide bonds between amino acids in proteins, a process that can be influenced by several factors such as Active Site Composition, Zymogen Activation (many proteases are synthesized as inactive precursors known as zymogens) and Substrate Specificity.
The regulation of protease activity is multifaceted and involves several mechanisms such as Environmental Factors (pH, Ionic Strength), Inhibitors, Complex Formation with other proteins or proteoglycans which can modulate their activity, Feedback Mechanisms (exp; in blood coagulation, the activation of one protease often leads to the activation of others in a cascade effect. This amplifies the initial signal and allows for rapid responses to physiological changes.) and Post-Translational Modifications.
Proteases are not only essential for protein degradation but also play critical roles as signaling molecules in various biological processes. They influence numerous signaling pathways through their ability to cleave specific substrates, including receptors and other proteins involved in cellular communication. Among this:
The dysregulation of protease activity is implicated in various diseases:
Customize your own signaling pathways (SignArrays®) with the factors of your choice!
Simply download and complete our Personalized SignArrays® information file
and send it at
contact@anygenes.com
to get started on your project.