collagenase

noun

col·​la·​ge·​nase kə-ˈla-jə-ˌnās 

ˈkä-lə-jə-,

-ˌnāz 

: any of a group of proteolytic enzymes that decompose collagen and gelatin

Examples of collagenase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers found that two compounds strongly inhibited collagenase activity in mouse cells by more than 30% without causing any toxic damage to the cells. —New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2024

The overactivity of the skin enzyme collagenase can degrade collagen, which is a major factor in the loss of skin elasticity and thickness and contributes to skin aging and the formation of wrinkles. —New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2024

For example, the sun causes certain genes to product collagenase, an enzyme that degrades collagen in your skin. —Dr. Leslie Baumann, miamiherald, 27 Apr. 2018

Retinoids block the production of collagenase and turn on the genes that make your skin produce collagen. —Dr. Leslie Baumann, miamiherald, 27 Apr. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

collagenase

noun

col·​la·​ge·​nase kə-ˈlaj-ə-ˌnās  ˈkäl-ə-jə- 

-ˌnāz

: any of a group of proteolytic enzymes that decompose collagen and gelatin