ELASTASE I Meaning and
Definition
-
Elastase I, also known as pancreatic elastase, is a natural enzyme found in the pancreas that is involved in the breakdown of proteins. Specifically, elastase I is part of the family of serine proteases, enzymes that cleave peptide bonds in proteins. Elastase I plays a crucial role in the digestive process, where it aids in the degradation of elastin, a protein found in connective tissues such as skin, blood vessels, and lungs.
The primary function of elastase I is to hydrolyze the peptide bonds within elastin, thus breaking it down into smaller units called elastin peptides. This enzymatic activity enables the recycling of elastin and the turnover of connective tissues in the body. Elastase I is highly specific to elastin and does not target other proteins, ensuring that degradation is specifically focused on elastin substrates.
Elastase I is typically synthesized by the pancreas and secreted into the small intestine as an inactive zymogen, or proenzyme, known as proelastase. Activation of proelastase occurs in the small intestine by the enzyme trypsin, which cleaves proelastase into its active form, elastase I. This activation step ensures that elastase I is active in the appropriate location and prevents premature elastin degradation within the pancreas.
Elastase I has also been linked to various pathological conditions when its activity is dysregulated. Increased elastase I activity has been associated with diseases such as pancreatitis, lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and certain types of cancer. Conversely, decreased elastase I levels or activity have been observed in rare genetic disorders such as pancreatic insufficiency and cystic fibrosis.
Common Misspellings for ELASTASE I
- wlastase i
- slastase i
- dlastase i
- rlastase i
- 4lastase i
- 3lastase i
- ekastase i
- epastase i
- eoastase i
- elzstase i
- elsstase i
- elwstase i
- elqstase i
- elaatase i
- elaztase i
- elaxtase i
- eladtase i
- elaetase i
- elawtase i
- elasrase i
Etymology of ELASTASE I
The word "elastase" comes from the combination of two terms: "elastin" and "ase".
"Elastin" refers to a protein that is a major component of elastic fibers in connective tissues. It provides elasticity to tissues such as skin, blood vessels, and lungs.
The suffix "ase" is commonly used in the field of biochemistry to indicate an enzyme. In this case, "elastase" refers to an enzyme that breaks down elastin.
So, "Elastase I" is a specific type or variant of elastase. The "I" might indicate a specific form or isoform of the enzyme.
Similar spelling words for ELASTASE I
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
