Aggrecanase
Aggrecanase
Aggrecanase (pronounced: ag-gre-can-ase) is a type of enzyme that plays a crucial role in the degradation of aggrecan, a major component of the extracellular matrix in cartilaginous tissues.
Etymology
The term "aggrecanase" is derived from "aggrecan", the substrate it acts upon, and "-ase", a suffix used in biochemistry to denote enzymes.
Function
Aggrecanase is responsible for cleaving the aggrecan core protein, leading to the degradation of the extracellular matrix in cartilaginous tissues. This process is significant in conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, where the breakdown of cartilage is a major symptom.
Related Terms
- Aggrecan: A large, aggregating proteoglycan found in the extracellular matrix of cartilaginous tissues.
- Enzyme: A protein that acts as a biological catalyst to speed up chemical reactions in cells.
- Extracellular matrix: A three-dimensional network of extracellular macromolecules, such as collagen, enzymes, and glycoproteins, that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.
- Osteoarthritis: A type of joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: A long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints, causing warm, swollen, and painful joints.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Aggrecanase
- Wikipedia's article - Aggrecanase
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