Elastase

Elastase is a protease enzyme found in a variety of body tissues and fluids. This enzyme is in charge of degrading elastin, a protein found in connective tissues such as the skin, lungs, and blood vessels. Elastin provides elasticity to these tissues, allowing them to stretch and recoil. Elastase is produced in the body by a variety of cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and pancreatic cells. Elastase participates in the immune response of neutrophils and macrophages by degrading extracellular matrix proteins of invading microorganisms. Elastase is secreted from pancreatic cells into the small intestine, where it aids in the digestion of dietary proteins. Elastase belongs to the serine protease family of enzymes, which also includes several other proteases involved in protein breakdown. This enzyme family has a common mechanism of action that involves the hydrolysis of peptide bonds in proteins, resulting in protein degradation. Elastase activity dysregulation can result in a variety of diseases. Excessive elastase activity in the lungs, for example, can damage alveolar tissue and lead to emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Reduced elastase activity in the skin, on the other hand, can cause connective tissue disorders such as cutis lax, in which the skin loses its elasticity.