LYSOSOMAL ELASTASE Meaning and
Definition
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Lysosomal Elastase is an enzyme found in the lysosomes of cells that is involved in the degradation and remodeling of elastin, a protein that provides elasticity and resilience to various tissues in the body. It is a member of the serine protease family, which means it catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptide bonds in proteins using a serine residue within its active site.
Lysosomal Elastase is primarily produced by neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system's defense against infections. It is stored in the lysosomes of neutrophils in an inactive form, known as proelastase, which is activated when the cell is stimulated to release its contents.
Once activated, Lysosomal Elastase can degrade elastin, as well as other proteins like collagen, fibronectin, and laminin, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of various tissues in the body. It is especially important in tissues that undergo frequent stretching and are subject to mechanical stress, such as the lungs, skin, blood vessels, and connective tissues.
Dysregulation or dysfunction of Lysosomal Elastase has been associated with various diseases and conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), emphysema, and some connective tissue disorders. In these cases, excessive or uncontrolled activity of Lysosomal Elastase can lead to tissue damage and inflammation, impairing the normal functioning of affected organs.
Common Misspellings for LYSOSOMAL ELASTASE
- kysosomal elastase
- pysosomal elastase
- oysosomal elastase
- ltsosomal elastase
- lgsosomal elastase
- lhsosomal elastase
- lusosomal elastase
- l7sosomal elastase
- l6sosomal elastase
- lyaosomal elastase
- lyzosomal elastase
- lyxosomal elastase
- lydosomal elastase
- lyeosomal elastase
- lywosomal elastase
- lysisomal elastase
- lysksomal elastase
- lyslsomal elastase
- lyspsomal elastase
- lys0somal elastase
Etymology of LYSOSOMAL ELASTASE
The word "lysosomal elastase" has its etymology rooted in the Greek and Latin languages.
The term "lysosomal" comes from the Greek word "lysos", meaning "to loosen" or "to dissolve", and "soma", meaning "body". It refers to the lysosome, which is an organelle within cells responsible for breaking down and recycling cellular waste.
On the other hand, "elastase" is derived from the Greek word "elaston", which means "elastic". The suffix "-ase" typically denotes an enzyme or protein. Thus, "elastase" refers to an enzyme that acts on elastin, a protein found in connective tissues, responsible for granting elasticity to organs, blood vessels, and skin.
