tissue proteinase

tissue proteinase

One of a range of enzymes that bring about controlled protein breakdown in a wide range of developmental, physiological and pathological processes. These enzymes are active in such processes as embryogenesis, angiogenesis, blood coagulation, fibrinolysis and inflammation. Over-expression of some of the proteinases has been implicated in a range of pathologies, especially connective tissue disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis in which collagen breakdown is an important factor.