próteasas

Próteasas, also known as peptidases, are enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of proteins into smaller polypeptides or individual amino acids. This process is essential for numerous biological functions in all living organisms. They achieve this by cleaving peptide bonds, the chemical bonds that link amino acids together in a protein chain.

The activity of proteases can be broadly categorized based on the location where they cleave the peptide bond. Exopeptidases cleave peptide bonds at the terminal amino or carboxyl ends of a protein, while endopeptidases cleave peptide bonds within the protein chain.

Proteases play critical roles in digestion, where they break down dietary proteins into absorbable amino acids. They are also involved in protein turnover, the regulated degradation of cellular proteins, which is important for cellular processes and waste removal. Furthermore, proteases are involved in blood coagulation, immune responses, cell signaling, and programmed cell death (apoptosis).

Dysregulation of protease activity is implicated in various diseases, including cancer, inflammatory disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. Consequently, proteases are also targets for drug development, with inhibitors being used to treat conditions such as HIV/AIDS and certain types of cancer.