Collagenases

matrix metallopeptidase 1 (interstitial collagenase)
Identifiers
Symbol	MMP1
Entrez	4312
HUGO	7155
OMIM	120353
RefSeq	NM_002421
UniProt	P03956
Other data
EC number	3.4.24.7
Locus	Chr. 11 q21-q22

matrix metallopeptidase 8 (neutrophil collagenase)
Identifiers
Symbol	MMP8
Entrez	4317
HUGO	7175
OMIM	120355
RefSeq	NM_002424
UniProt	P22894
Other data
EC number	3.4.24.34
Locus	Chr. 11 q21-q22

Collagenases are enzymes that break the peptide bonds in collagen.

They assist in destroying extracellular structures in pathogenesis of bacteria such as Clostridium. They are an exotoxin (a virulence factor) and help to facilitate the spread of gas gangrene. They normally target the connective tissue in muscle cells and other body organs.

Collagen, a key component of the animal extracellular matrix, is made through cleavage of pro-collagen by collagenase once it has been secreted from the cell. This stops large structures from forming inside the cell itself.

Collagenase production can be induced during an immune response, by cytokines which stimulate cells such as fibroblasts and osteoblasts, and cause indirect tissue damage.

SANTYL Ointment, a Healthpoint, Ltd. product, is the only FDA approved product containing Collagenase as its primary ingredient.

They are categorized under EC number 3.4.24.

See also

• Matrix metalloproteinase
• Gas gangrene

External links

• Collagenases at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)